New releases last four weeks: Indie/Alternative

Review: Billy Nomates has been on quite a journey since seeing a Sleaford Mods show in her native East Midlands persuaded her to return to making music. Her first appearance, guesting on the Sleafords' 'Mork & Mindy' single, and Geoff Barrow-produced debut album were definitely hailing from the rough and ready school of scrappy, DIY post-punk. Metalhorse, her third long player to date, is an altogether more mature affair, leaning on the influence of her live band - bass player Mandy Clarke (KT Tunstall, The Go! Team) and drummer Liam Chapman (Rozi Plain, BMX Bandits) - to delve further into blues, folk and piano-led compositions. A concept album revolving around an abandoned funfair as a metaphor for life itself - "some rides are nice to get on and some rides aren't" she says - it's a fascinating listen and not, perhaps, what you might have been expecting.

Review: Billy Nomates' third studio album is the first that the Bristol-based Invada Records-signee recorded in the studio with a band. Formerly a solo artist standing alone on stage and making albums much the same way, now she has bass player Mandy Clarke (The Go! Team) and drummer Liam Chapman (BMX Bandits) backing her. They all went to Paco Loco Studios in beautiful Andalucia, Spain to record with James Trevascus (her hit single 'No' was the first thing they did together and they have a solid working relationship since). The resulting tracks - not least 'Plans' and 'Dark Horse Friend' (featuring actual Stranglers man Hugh Cornwell) from this adventure to sunnier climes are staggeringly impressive. It seems Billy Nomates, real name Tor Maries, has made the best album of her artistic life to-date. And it's a milestone that's bound to ensure this talented artist remains part of the fabric of British popular music for years to come.