Finding inspiration at the intersection of folk-pop and indie-rock, the collaboration of The Western Den builds a gorgeous soundscape around a velvety duet and an orchestral-sounding rhythm section: big piano intervals, french horns, and the sound of mallets. But beyond that, the precision of the emotional moment is tangible, and more than a bit heartbreaking.

Dripping with a painful honesty, the reality is that this relationship is probably not going to make it:

“If you’re a threat
I am a sharp knife
always cutting loose ties”— The Western Den

But the strong survive, even when the ship goes down; such is life.

The Western Den is a musical partnership between Deni Hlavinka and Chris West based in Boston. This song is featured on our Roots Collection playlist.