represent an acoustic or 'unplugged' album, and also keep the whole 'bird/flying' theme we’ve perpetuated for years. Plus, the artistic continuity between both albums felt poetic." Release de-plumed was released as a digital download on November 4, 2010 on the Choir's official website. The CD was released on November 9, 2010 on both the band’s website and their acoustic tour. It was later released for digital download on iTunes and is now widely available on various music streaming platforms. Tour Daugherty and Hindalong toured as an acoustic duo in support of this album, playing these tracks and sharing stories from their years together as a band. "It's been great to get out there and share our music this way," Hindalong said. "For the most part, we've played 'home shows,' and we believe our songs come off well in intimate settings. Derri is singing better than ever these days, and I always enjoy getting into my bag of 'percussion tricks,' playing guitar and performing a song or two of my own. It's been satisfying to interact with people on a more personal level. The vulnerability factor is high, to be sure." The acoustic approach allowed the Choir to perform songs they otherwise had not performed in concert before. "I’ve been surprised by 'Clouds,' from 1987," Hindalong said. "We had never played it in concert because we weren't confident we could pull it off as a live band. But strangely, it feels powerful as a duo. The words keep convicting me. It feels God-breathed, and I'm not one to say that about songs – almost never, really. Other than that, it's different every night." On the tour, some songs from Burning Like the Midnight Sun were performed exclusively at a single venue, like "It Should Have Been Obvious," along with Lost Dogs’ tracks, including "Wicked Guns." For those unable to attend the live acoustic tour, the band streamed a special live concert from their studio on December 14, 2010, in which viewers could interact with band members. Critical reception Critical reviews for de-plumed were favorable. Laura Love at Jesus Freak Hideout wrote that "hearing the band stripped down is a special treat. The music is more laid back than fans are used to, but it's never boring." Steve Ruff from Down The Line agreed, and pointed out that "[the Choir] didn’t just sing through these songs with an acoustic guitar. [Steve] Hindalong