Beach Boys (Belle and Sebastian + The Magnetic Fields) = P:ano
Therefore: P:ano = a cute mix of pop, discordant synthesiser, exquisite vocals, recurring riffs, and a slight sense of instability.

While most would assume the above would describe just another one of those chamber-pop bands that imitate rather than emulate artists such as the Fiery’s, but P:ano have actually got it right! Their third LP, Brigadoon, displays everything you could ever hope to get out of an artist my computer immediately classifies “genre unknown”.

My very first impression from Brigadoon was “My gosh! Larissa Loyva’s voice is even better than before!” It’s crystal clear, hits every note effortlessly and, for me, is perfect. I would kill to have a voice like hers, it sounds like pretty bells and wind chimes, bubbles and sunshine, unfaltering perfection. Nick Krgovich, the male vocalist, also has himself a pleasant voice, however, unfortunately for him, once Larissa opens her mouth her voice will, without doubt, capture the attention of the listener.

Through fantastic use of harmonicas, brass, synthesisers, drums and piano, the quartet has developed musicianship tighter than tight. Each musician knows when to step forward and step back, none ever try to dominate, rather they share the playing field evenly and fairly.

With brilliant vocals and skilful musicians, most wouldn’t care about the quality of the song-writing, but for those who do P:ano deliver on that front as well. Supermarket One, The Snow and Sweet Sweets are but three examples of tracks where stellar song writing techniques are displayed.

Brigadoon is a definite “must listen to at least once” type of album. I expect it will be as divisive as the Fiery Furnaces – Blueberry Boat, and as widely received as the Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The way the guys and gals from P:ano have used every aspect of music-making possible, refined it to a ‘T’, and then composed it as one is truly breathtaking. It’s a guarantee that this band is going somewhere, exactly where I’m not quite sure but it’s certain to be sugary and melodious.