Strains of Britpop, garage rock and country slyly slink through Tormes sparse, gothic-leaning debut. The NYC-by-way-of-Nashville singer-songwriter possesses a gorgeous, soulful voice that at times recalls Margo Timmins, with a little more sugar and less smoke. Darkness has been a friend to me, Tormes sings on the disc-ending Fade Away, and by that point, you know she aint joking. The use of Wurlitzer throughout adds to the appeal of the album on such songs as Without Truth and the title track. The three songs featuring Teddy Thompson on guest vocals are highlights, especially the stripped-down and emotionally potent Maybe You Wont. Amy Helm of Ollabelle adds sweet harmonizing on the dreamy Better Days.