The Mountain Goats, led by singer-songwriter John Darnielle, have built a prolific and influential career since the early 1990s, earning a loyal following with their storytelling and literary lyricism. For Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan, Darnielle took inspiration from a dreamt-up title, using it as the foundation for a full album of vivid, melodic songs. Produced with multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas, who also co-wrote several tracks, the record expands the band’s sound with lush orchestration and welcoming arrangements that stretch beyond their previous boundaries.