Shortly after the release and its foreseeable resultant praise, Crescenzo took the solidifying step of fleshing the band out into its current lineup and recording a masterful sophomore effort in Act II. Although the new disc continues in the sonic vein of Act I, it takes a bolder and grittier approach to the harlequin show tunes of its predecessor, most noticeably on the aforementioned "The Procession" and the homage to Mars Volta riff-rocker "Dear Ms. Leading". Never fear readers, there are plenty of glaring yet welcome reminders of The Dear Hunter of yore. For instance, the standout track "The Lake and The River" effortlessly incorporates bouncing, sing-songy orchestrations, a dare-I-say head-banging bridge, a climactic chorus, a gospel-tinged breakdown, a jazzy solo, and a closing O Brother Where Art Thou chant along to boot into a 9-minute-plus epic. "The Bitter Suite", a near 15 minute opus with all the same puzzle pieces, reflects and encapsulates the manifold essence of The Dear Hunter's inimitable sound, which forges seemingly unpalatable tastes together to form self-contained masterpieces that somehow tie into the overlying goal of storybook continuity. Overall, however, Act II is most notable for marking the band's progression, perfectly displayed in "The Church and The Dime" with its emotional backing vocal and grand piano accompaniment, the sensory overload chorus highlighted by Crescenzo's throatier, edgier, Matt Embree-like (RX Bandits) vocals, and its rousing, rocking bridge. Similarly, the ethereal balladry and spot-on jazz drumming of "Where the Road Parts" perfectly complement Crescenzo's soaring, soul-bearing vocals.