I have a special appreciation for VMP, as they're who introduced me to BBNG in the first place. But yeah, $44 is way too much, even as a show of "brand loyalty" to them.
I bought the limited white version off Bandcamp. It was $33 after shipping and tax, and includes all the Bandcamp perks that come along with it. Maybe I might indulge in double-dipping when it shows up in a site clearance sale for $25 in a year or so because I can't imagine VMP is ever selling out of 1,500 copies at that price.
The lead single is solid but not mind-blowing, but I am really looking forward to pretty much the rest of the album since Arthur Verocai is all over it.