Rosie Hillman (vocals and acoustic guitar) and Matt Kassel (vocals and electric guitar) got together in their home town of Barrow In Furness in 2003, and previously went under the name Fallen Leaves.

The PR blurb describes their 11 track debut as a diverse collection of 11 indie folk pop gems. And while PR lines are not unknown for being overly generous in their praise, in the case of April Maybe May they've got it spot on.

A more gentle, laid back set you're unlikely to find, and the band's MySpace pages describes them as 'the quietest band in the world', but if ever it was true, April Maybe May is a classic case of 'less is more'.

Rosie and Matt have focused on the basics - in particular, the songwriting, and singing. And it's paid off. In spades. This eponymous debut is a very fine set of understated and timeless songs delivered with quiet beauty that burrow deeper into the subconscious with every listen, and with Rosie's tender vocals gently caressing the songs with an aching beauty.

For anyone with a penchant for classic female fronted singer songwriter soft pop/rock, April Maybe May come with an unreserved recommendation. Great songs, and enthralling vocals. An undiscovered gem.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley