Recorded over five months in 2003 by Colin Stewart (Destroyer, Hot Hot Heat, Radio Berlin) at The Western Front and The Hive studios in Vancouver, The Den shows the band venturing into lush 48-track production for their second album, with musicians of the highest caliber to fulfill their orchestral dreams (including a string arrangement by Vancouver New Music’s director, Giorgio Magnanensi). Part Broadway show, part slow pop masterpiece, part homey confessional, the sound is full of nuance, depth and beauty. Grandiose musical fantasy plays alongside some of p:ano’s most intimate moments. Tender vocals come together with rich harmonies in a perfect fit with piano, organ, guitars, percussion, horns, stings, woodwinds, and incidental noise to softly wrap you into a familiar but uniquely fragmented place. Far from being overt and pretty, there is a dark undercurrent that elevates these songs from mere fancy window dressing. Twenty-one year old Nick Krgovich is an adept storyteller and hope is always tempered by resignation, passing moments always deftly rendered. All told, The Den proves itself a truly audacious work of impressive talent and maturity.