Billy Nomates – The Test

Bristol-based artist Billy Nomates (aka Tor Maries) returns with “The Test,” a propulsive heartland rock track that serves as our first taste of her upcoming third album “Metalhorse,” due for release on May 16th via Invada Records. Premiered on BBC Radio 6 Music by Lauren Laverne, the song pulses with defiance, driven by a low-humming bass line and punctuated by sparking piano interjections that amplify Maries’ increasingly powerful vocals.

“The Test” was the first track written for “Metalhorse” and encapsulates the tumultuous period Maries has weathered recently. She describes the song almost spiritually: “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.”