Same meaning?
His sound aesthetics usually are described as aggressive and powerful , yet transparent .
His sound aesthetics are mostly described as aggressive and powerful , yet transparent .

Answer: yes

Same meaning?
To find out the last two letters , the group found two portraits of a hermit , and although they looked identical , they had some differences .
To find out the last two letters the group found two portraits of a hermit and although they appeared identical , they had several differences .

Answer: yes

Same meaning?
Dana Mountain , Elevation , was climbed by the group the next day before Martinez had to return to Muir .
Mount Dana , elevation , was climbed the next day by the group before Martinez had to return home to Muir .

Answer: yes

Same meaning?
The following books were either written by Prior , or are unpublished collections of journal articles and posthumous papers that he wrote :
The following books were either written by Prior or are unpublished collections of periodical articles and posthumous papers he wrote :

Answer:
yes