I have to say that I LOVE New Perspective. I really could listen to it on repeat all day and not get bored.
I think that in a way the rivalry is good. I mean, Panic always took FOREVER in the studio fooling around making new albums (and not releasing them!!!! Still bitter about that unfinished rock opera from a few years ago). Now having the competition there, it seems that it's kinda lit a fire under both band's asses to get working! Rivalry = more new music very quickly.