Allison Russell has released the fourth single from her upcoming album The Returner, due for release on September 8th. The acclaimed singer, songwriter, poet, and instrumentalist shared “Demons” on Sept. 5th, as the final taste of her album before its full release. Russell will also be performing at WXPN’s XPoNential Music Festival on Sunday, Sept. 24th.
Despite only having one solo album to her name so far, Russell has already become a decorated artist on her own. Her 2021 debut Outside Child won Album of the Year at the 2022 Americana Awards, and was nominated for Best Americana Album at the GRAMMY Awards that same year. The album won awards at the UK Americana Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Juno Awards as well. Prior to her solo career, Russell has been part of the blues-inspired folk group Po’ Girl, the Americana band Birds of Chicago, and the collective/supergroup Our Native Daughters.
Her new single “Demons” encourages fans to take on their demons and confront them directly. Russell knows that some demons will never be fully destroyed, so the best that can be done sometimes is to “send your demons to the back of the bus,” and not let them direct your future. Her motivational message is conveyed over a feel-good arrangement of drums, bass, piano, and acoustic guitar. The sunny atmosphere of the track has a soulful swing to it, and the power of the organic instruments builds up to a climax on the last chorus. During the refrains, a choir of singers that Russell calls her “Rainbow Coalition” join in for added power. The five background vocalists add an undeniable, uplifting energy to the track.
Russell’s new album was written and produced by herself and Dim Star, a duo composed of Drew Lindsey and JT Nero, Russell’s partner and fellow Birds of Chicago member. The Returner will consist of ten songs, and will reportedly feature performances from Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clarke, and Hozier. It has not been specified which songs these artists will appear on yet.
Along with her set at the XPoNential Music Festival on Sept. 24th, Russell will be stopping at World Cafe Live on Nov. 29th as part of her fall tour. For tickets, visit Russell’s website. The Returner will be released on Sept. 8th via Fantasy Records, with an online listening party taking place on Russell’s Bandcamp the same night. Her latest single “Demons” is available now on all streaming platforms.