8/10

When Bristol-based newcomer Tor Maries first introduced her Billy Nomates project in 2020 with her self-titled breakthrough debut LP, she was greeted as one of the more alluring and progressive names to have emerged that year. Channelling the same broad and inventive energy as PJ Harvey, she quickly maintained a reputation for rich and driven compositions that truly broke the mould. And after a few years of continued buzz and acclaim to fall back on, she returns with her eagerly-awaited sophomore studio album 'CACTI', a record that continues that invigorating streak once again.

While Maries is very much an artist that likes to wear her influences firmly on her sleeve, most notably the sweet and supple textures of Fleetwood Mac and The War On Drugs, 'CACTI' still manages to present itself as a brilliantly distinctive and innovative listen. Creating this wonderfully warm and passionate approach to her sound that doesn't rely on fanfare to get noticed, her newest collection sees her step out of her formative guise and approach this new phase with a renewed flair that is simply irresistible from start to finish.

Billy Nomates may still have only just started to build up her credibility and intrigue in these last few years, but 'CACTI' feels like a record that could see her explode in the months ahead. With such a fresh and adventurous sound that always focuses on her vibrant and heartfelt songwriting throughout, she is definitely one we can see enjoying for many years to come.