I liked LP especially when they first showed up. I think they make great to the point songs. I dont mind bands evolving, they actually have gradually but with the last album they totally lost me. Its not that it doesnt sound like LP, they went for an even bigger mainstream crowd but it ended up sounding like a C grade record compared to the artists that were kings in that field. Its not because it sounds so mellow, its just boring and uninspired. No catchy sounds...I barely even hear the guitar honestly.
If you ever watched Mike Shinoda on twitch, he makes songs on the fly. Worst thing is, he can make a proper LP song, its a specific sound they lost long ago and I dont know why they completely abandoned it. You can always evolve but still sprinkle in that iconic sounds that is yours. Instead they went 180* and most people hated it. In retrospect, I cant deny that this was also the final push to Chesters suicide. Its many things obviously but the reaction to this album was so bad and the way he started to answer back to fans you realized he lost it.
First time I hear LP considered an emo band lol. Bullet for my valentine, Chemical romance, lost prophets etc..yes. Just because a band has a mellow song doesnt mean they are emo.