Into the Burning Blue, the fifth studio album fromTrace Mountains, begins underwater. SongwriterDave Benton was too. And though the songs werederived from a place of pain and heartbreak, Intothe Burning Blue is an adventurous, bold, andgroovy album about movement. Benton is at hismost declarative, depicting his constant tread ofwater to stay afloat, and the occasional triumphthat comes as reward.Pain often brings a new perspective on pleasure,and without the blues, joy wouldn’t be as brightand elusive as it is. But excavation is essentialto the new perspective, and you often need newtools to break out of the monochromatic mold. Intothe Burning Blue is a testament to looking inward,embracing new methods, and accepting the helpof your friends – no matter how hard they are tofind.