Billy Nomates
Metalhorse
★★★★
INVADA
Themed around a decrepit “unfair funfair” representing life’s challenges, Billy Nomates/Tor Maries began recording Metalhorse three months after her father’s death from Parkinson’s and has recently had to come to terms with her own MS diagnosis. Moving on from the stripped synthpop of her early records and the post-punk guitar moves of 2023’s CACTI, her recent life experience meets a growing sophistication that suits her, especially on piano and drums-led driver The Test, which veers close to The Weather Station, and Comedic Timing, which has something of the seasoned cool of Alison Goldfrapp. The slinky noir of Dark Horse Friend is perfectly complemented by The Stranglers Hugh Cornwell, while the propulsive Plans sounds like the theme song to an imagined ’80s teen movie whose central character is suffering from intrusive thoughts. Altogether, with added depth and melody, it’s Maries’ best yet.
Metalhorse is out May 16 on Invada.
ORDER: Amazon | Rough Trade | HMV
Tracklisting:
Metalhorse
Nothin Worth Winnin
The Test
Override
Dark Horse Friend
Life’s Unfair
Plans
Gas
Comedic Timing
Strange Gift
Moon Explodes
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Photo: Jack Dallas Chapman