On their second full-length effort Big Thief successfully avoid the sophomore slump. Adrianne Lenker's storytelling reaches new emotional depths and achieves a level of lyrical beauty that one could call a Masterpiece. 

---

How do you follow up an album entitled "Masterpiece?" This is a question Big Thief had to address when working on their second LP. With only a seven-month break after releasing Masterpiece, they didn't give themselves much time to contemplate the answer.

I have nothing negative to say about this album. When I listen to Capacity I get a feeling of enjoyment and emotional connection to something larger than myself that is rare in music. Lenker's storytelling skill has evolved to a point that nearly matches the beauty of her vocals. On the track Mythological Beauty she illustrates the vast responsibility and love a mother has for her child screaming, “You held me in the backseat with a dishrag/Soaking up blood with your eye/I was just 5 and you were 27 praying don't let my baby die.” This song is the emotional peak of the album, showing the delicacy of life and the love and beauty of our closest relationships.

Capacity is my favorite record of the year so far. I get chills listening to it and discover something new and beautiful with every listen. “There is a child inside you who is trying/To raise the child in me.” Listening to this album brings me closer to this child like state and reminds me of the beauty and frailty of life. I don't know what more you could want from listening to a piece of music.