Listened to Middle Cyclone twice last night. First off, I like the songs. Especially Magpie. It is an album that will require a few listening sessions to really figure out.
In terms of SQ the loudness is immediately evident. Like other newer CDs I've bought recently the volume is high even with the volume control at less than 1/3. On my line stage the lowest volume is not 'zero'. On older CDs and most albums you can just hear the music at the lowest setting. With Middle Cyclone the lowest setting would be loud enough for background listening.
However, overall SQ still wasn't that bad at less than 1/3 volume and I could enjoy listening at that volume. Listening at higher volume was not particularly pleasant. It becomes too bright and a little shrill. Neko's voice is way out front, which is fine and probably as it should be since that is her strength. But above 1/3 volume or so it is too much, particularly when she hits higher notes.
So overall I'm happy with the album and think I will continue to enjoy it. I just have to wonder if, and expect, it would be a bit better with better DR. I will play with it in iTunes (I know, I know) but the iTunes EQ has a dB slider which can bring down the loudness and then I can fine tune the upper end a little.