It would be easy to list the past musical projects of the members of Arden, the years they have spent grinding away in Baltimore's local scene, and the ways in which the group came together. None of that, however, would do much to describe a band that is releasing their sophomore effort, a record that starkly contrasts the style of their debut EP "The Pursuit." If there is one thing the quintet understands, it is that music--much like life--is a constant process of adaptation, revision, and growth, themes which the group tackles head-on in the upcoming release "The Big Picture." Their fresh and unique pop rock sound takes cues from other acts as various as the Beach Boys and Ben Folds, with soaring melodies amid a piano driven rhythm section. The new record is a complete DIY effort, with the production, engineering, and mixing being handled by the band at bassist Lee Cumberland's Merseyside Studios. Freedom in the recording studio has equated to a collection of songs that aren't afraid to explore new musical territory. The upbeat, horn-infused sounds of "A Slow Spiral Geoffrey" lend clarity and weight to more sparsely produced and thoughtful tracks such as "Grow!" and "Meet Me at Glen Rock." In the words of guitarist Kevin Krause, "the new record is really about exploring our own musical appetites and creating music that is lasting and meaningful to us."