I don't know if it was discussed or said already (couldn't read more than the first 5 pages on mobile app) but my opinion about the direction the band's sound has taken is that maybe it's not just Chris's emotional state, but maybe the band relationship as well. More than 18 years being together may have tired, worn their relationship, their sync, their will of playing music together out. Maybe this new soulless but independent sound is what made it comfortable for each one of them to keep playing together as a band. Maybe if they took a break until they started missing sharing their energy with one another...