Into the Burning Blue, the fifth studio album from
Trace Mountains, begins underwater. Songwriter
Dave Benton was too. And though the songs were
derived from a place of pain and heartbreak, Into
the Burning Blue is an adventurous, bold, and
groovy album about movement. Benton is at his
most declarative, depicting his constant tread of
water to stay afloat, and the occasional triumph
that comes as reward.
Pain often brings a new perspective on pleasure,
and without the blues, joy wouldn’t be as bright
and elusive as it is. But excavation is essential
to the new perspective, and you often need new
tools to break out of the monochromatic mold. Into
the Burning Blue is a testament to looking inward,
embracing new methods, and accepting the help of
your friends — no matter how hard they are to find.