The song begins softly, reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel. As it progresses, instruments are added one by one: another voice, another guitar, until each layer of sound is reverberating off of one another. There is no hook to rely on, but a hook is unnecessary, as the band takes you step by step through the song’s story.
With two minutes left, the song briefly pauses. When it picks up again, the acoustics are left behind and the instrumentals sound significantly more aged, morphing into characteristically 21st Century folk–pop. The vocals serve as a sturdy bridge between the two sections, never hesitating or wavering. Overall, “Helplessness Blues” is inviting and listenable, but it’s not as enticingly addictive as the band’s past work.
3.5 Stars
