BILLY NOMATES
Cacti (Invada)
Tor Marie aka Billy Nomates’ latest album Cacti is feisty yet vulnerable. The Bristolian songwriter’s second album, Cacti delivers some raw lyrics, such as the introductory Blue Bones’ “death don’t turn me on like it used to,” while the 80s-style synths from the title track stands out, as it travels into a darker mood halfway through.
Billy manages to bring an Americana style to her tracks, not too far off fellow Avon artist Katy J Pearson’s sound, added with echoes similar to previous touring partners Sleaford Mods. Despite having some heavier themes than the last album (existential questions abound here), this one seems more catchy, especially proven on Balance Is Gone.
Roundabout Sadness feels a bit like a hectic fairground in comparison, though, with clunky organs and nursery rhyme-style lyrics, but this does determine she’s not a one-trick-pony too. If you thought Billy Nomates could only give you fiery post-punk, Cacti will prove you wrong.
words INDIA MUNDAY
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