Does a strong first disc and weak second justify a double album?

[Ava16]

I just listened to the new double album from that acclaimed indie rock band, and I'm left feeling deeply conflicted; the first disc is a tight, energetic return to form, but the second feels like a meandering collection of half-finished ideas and ambient experiments that disrupts the overall flow. I've been a fan for years, and this feels like a missed opportunity for a truly great single album. For others who have spent time with it, what's your take on the artistic choice to release it as a double album versus a more curated single release, and did the stylistic shift on the second half grow on you with repeated listens or further highlight the inconsistency?

[AaronT]

Totally get the conflict. The first disc is tight and punchy, the second feels sprawling and exploratory. On first listen I thought it disrupted the flow, but a few tracks clicked after a few more spins.