Tell Where I Lie

Released in 2013, Tell Where I Lie is the debut full-length album from the Leeds-based duo Fossil Collective (Jonny Hooker and David Fendick). Following a string of successful EPs, the album solidified their reputation for intricate, harmony-rich indie folk. Sonically, the record sits at the intersection of Fleet Foxes' choral density and the pastoral songwriting of Simon & Garfunkel, yet it possesses a distinctively British dampness. The recording is characterized by its high-fidelity 'layered_dense' approach, where acoustic guitars, banjos, and pianos are meticulously stacked to create a lush, orchestral feel without the need for a full symphony. Critical reception praised the duo's technical proficiency and the album's cohesive atmosphere, though some noted its unwavering commitment to a specific, mid-tempo mood. The track 'The Magpie' stands as the album's centerpiece, showcasing their ability to sustain tension over a long duration, while 'Let It Go' remains their most accessible entry point. It remains a definitive example of the chamber-folk movement of its era.