Trace Mountains is the solo project of Dave Benton, formerly of the influential indie rock band LVL UP. Based in Brooklyn but deeply connected to the landscapes of the Northeast and the American road, Benton transitioned from the fuzzy, high-energy indie rock of his former band to a more patient, folk-inflected sound with the debut of Trace Mountains.
His work is characterized by a 'bummer' aesthetic that is more observational than depressive, focusing on the quiet beauty of everyday life and the inherent loneliness of the human condition. Critically, he is often grouped with the 'New Americana' or 'Bedroom Folk' movements, sharing a sonic kinship with artists like Hovvdy and Kevin Krauter. His evolution from the lo-fi sketches of 'Buttery Sprouts' to the more expansive, full-band arrangements of 'House of Confusion' and 'Into the Burning Blue' shows a maturing songwriter finding profound depth in simplicity. His cultural position is that of a 'songwriter's songwriter,' admired for his ability to craft hooks that feel accidental and lyrics that feel like found poetry.
Shares lo_fi, analog_warmth, stripped_back (production style); wistful, contemplative, melancholic (moods)
Shares indie folk, slowcore, dream pop (subgenres); wistful, contemplative, melancholic (moods)
Shares indie folk, americana, slowcore (subgenres); wistful, contemplative, bittersweet (moods)
Shares indie folk, indie pop, americana (subgenres); analog_warmth, stripped_back, bedroom_production (production style)
Shares indie folk, indie pop, slowcore (subgenres); wistful, contemplative, melancholic (moods)
Shares lo_fi, analog_warmth, stripped_back (production style); deadpan, breathy, gentle (vocal style)
Shares deadpan, breathy, gentle (vocal style); indie folk, slowcore, americana (subgenres)
Shares lo_fi, analog_warmth, stripped_back (production style); indie pop, indie folk (subgenres)
Shares lo_fi, analog_warmth, stripped_back (production style); indie pop, dream pop (subgenres)
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