Dave Benton, known for his work in LVL UP, is set to release a new album titled Into The Burning Blue in just a few weeks under his solo project, Trace Mountains. The album, created alongside Craig Hendrix from Japanese Breakfast, draws inspiration from a challenging breakup. Previously, two tracks, “In A Dream” and “Friend,” were shared, and now Benton has unveiled “Hard To Accept.”
“Hard To Accept” captures a sound reminiscent of War On Drugs, blending adult-contemporary synth-rock from the late 80s and early 90s while preserving an intimate, DIY feel. The accompanying video, directed by Alyx and Sam Soard, features Benton meeting a mysterious and colorful character. Benton describes the song as follows:
“Hard To Accept” explores the breakdown of communication in relationships, forcing us to reconnect the pieces. When collaborating with Craig, I was eager due to his amazing work on Japanese Breakfast albums. Our first session involved enjoying dried fruit while revitalizing the track with a lively, dance-oriented essence, all while keeping its emotional core. Craig meticulously captured the nuance of my vocals, allowing for an intimate recording experience. The final piece balances deep emotions with a joyful, cathartic energy—an expression of resilience and self-assurance, marked by our mix of tears and laughter during those long, reflective drives.
Watch the video below.
Into The Burning Blue will be released on 9/27 through Lame-O.
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