Billy Nomates is the project of Bristol-based songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Tor Maries, and this, her second album, is an absolute gem. Her self-titled debut album from 2020 was replete with Patti Smith-like punk rock, grungy guitars and sparse, skew-whiff melodies, but this release feels bigger and more melodic. She still retains plenty of edge, however, and has somehow managed to locate a sweet spot somewhere between Fiona Apple, Stevie Nicks and St. Vincent. It’s a sweet spot I intend to spend much of 2023 in. RM

Released 13 January on Invada Records