Leicester-raised Billy Nomates (real name Tor Maries) returns with her third studio album, Metalhorse. Known for her no-wave, post-punk edge, Billy Nomates is now exploring a sound incorporating genres such as blues and folk (hear more about this change in direction in our LOUD WOMEN Radio interview with Tor here). Representing life as a dilapidated funfair, Metalhorse recognises the highs and lows.
To me, Metalhorse is this crumbling fairground where some rides are nice to get on and some rides aren’t. That’s how life felt for a minute, and it still feels like that a bit now.”
-Billy Nomates
Losing her father to Parkinson’s just a few months before recording the album, Maries reflects on how important music was to them both and the bond it created.
Even in the care home, as things were getting worse, I’d visit him and he’d ask me what I was doing. I’d show him the new demos, or I’d have been on the radio. It sort of saved everything from being shit, because we had this positive thing to talk about.”
-Billy Nomates
Title track ‘Metalhorse’ kicks off the album with strong hints of the fairground world we’re entering in to. Carousel-style rhythms and lyrics such as ‘if you want to jump out / out the merry-go-round’ feel nostalgic, a little unsettling and altogether like the dizzying complexities of life.
Previous single ‘The Test’ feels driving, uplifting and fearless. Circling back to the overriding theme of the album, Billy Nomates uses metaphors such as ‘hall of mirrors’ to keep us in her carnival world.
It’s working at something against the odds and feeling like someone’s helping you from the other side, and if they see you that’s the test. I really feel that when we’re playing it live. Like, with everything that’s going on, I can’t believe this is surviving.”
-Billy Nomates
‘Plans’ brings us a post-punk edge we know and love from Billy Nomates, with a swirling of heartland-rock. Raw, emotionally-fuelled and powerfully positive, this track is a full-bodied love song to love.
Two of my personal favourite songs on this album are ‘Gas’ and ‘Moon Explodes’. ‘Gas’ is hypnotic with entrancing synths; Maries’ vocals and harmonies are ascending with cutting lyrics. ‘Moon Explodes’ closes the album with thrashing drums, driving guitars and a punchy-as-hell chorus.
Metalhorse is pure Billy Nomates – raw, sharp lyrics charged by Maries’ powerful vulnerability. Teasing new genres and sounds to weave amongst her post-punk style, this album is fresh, explorative and captivating. The concept of the dilapidated funfair is perfectly executed; dig deep to discover Billy Nomates’ see-sawing views on life, love, politics and the music industry. Out now on Invada Records.
Catch Billy Nomates live in the UK through September and October 2025 here
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