Fresh from a succession of widely acclaimed EP’s in 2012; Leeds duo Fossil Collective have returned with their mix of gentle folk and pop, and impossibly, a sound immersed with yet more harmonies. While its delivery is mostly predictable, ‘Tell Where I Lie’ has the musicianship and craft worthy of a slot in your library.

It’s the duo’s first full-length album, and one which introduces itself with undoubtedly the best song; Let It Go, taken from last summer’s sophomore EP of the same title. It’s a beautiful pop-lullaby capable of soothing the hardest of listener. Of most commercial benefit, the simple, memorable melody is bound to wind up a metaphorical artifact of its own. David Fendick and Jonny Hooker sing together as though they are one, and the immediate comparison with Simon & Garfunkel is astoundingly relevant. They blissfully navigate the song along a natural sense of melody, and with words like “only when the moon is high enough, only when the stars are lining up, let it go,” it’s a little too easy to do just that – let go.

The rich harmonies never ease nor falter and latest single Wolves adds to the already established wholesome sound with a soothing delivery on piano. Brother begins with a grandiose opening and scrubby electric guitar lying beneath, as though treading through a seemingly benign wood. Brush away the dirt and there is a contemporary folk-rock song based on strength of melody. There are endless acoustic/folk acts on the circuit at this current time, but Fossil Collective appears to have stuck true to their English roots and have produced something of authentic quality. The track ends in a quite fabulous melodic sigh, repeatedly beautiful.

Deeper into the excavation, the shimmer of pop subsides and The Midlake inspired Monument mystifies, lending more appeal to the album. It then rolls splendidly into the more upbeat On And On, taken from last year’s EP of the same title. Seven-minute wonder, The Magpie, illustrates the will to experiment by the two-piece without the need for compromise and the end result is a euphoric junction where guitars retire to piano, and synths accompanies heart-beat percussion.

An authentic debut, rich in melody; the English group appear finally to have come to fruition. It’s woody charm and instrument versatility is like a gulp of fresh forest air. Breathe it in.