Switchfoot ambitiously released their newest project, “Fading West,” on two fronts: a new album and a surfing film of the same name.

The project not only encapsulates the band’s passion for music, but their passion for the ocean as well. There’s no doubt that they are meant to compliment each other and the album should be seen — at least in part — as a soundtrack.

Regardless, this was the band’s ninth studio record and the many years of experience certainly show with skilled  composition and production. However, the album is a much different take for the band.

The songs vary from the extremely poppy (“Let It Out”, “Slipping Away”) to the funky (“Who We Are”, “Saltwater Heart”). Foreman’s raspy croon lends well to both ends of the spectrum making for a varied but excellent list of songs.

While it is true that the band largely trades the grungy guitar for over-produced synth sounds and gang vocals, it’s a transition that doesn’t steal from sound songwriting and the palpable passion the band has for music in general.

The trade also lends to new creative fronts for the band that are clearly seen in experiments like “When We Come Alive” and “All Or Nothing At All.”

Some fans may be upset with the new direction. But watching the band surf to it in the film may help change their minds.