Sometimes a band can just practically repeat its first album, like Room On Fire followed Is This It, and it still just works. Helplessness Blues is that kind of record. Though sonically there are only subtle differences, the main change is that lyrically, times are a lot heavier. While there’s barely a stumble throughout, it’s the immaculately sequenced front-half that really impresses with tune after tune laced with Pecknold’s soaring melodies and existential turmoil. Aweseome, wowzers, etc.