Photo Credit: Mason Poole
Allison Russell recently announced her third studio album, In The Hour of Chaos, arriving on July 10, 2026 via Fantasy Records. The album, produced by Russell and Dim Star, is a fervent plea for connection in this time of alienation, isolation and dread. It’s an album that is meant to make you feel GOOD and, in these times, feeling good is a radical act. Today, this Juneteenth, she shares the album’s latest song, “Black Lavender” featuring the earthy soul of Brittney Spencer.
Of “Black Lavender,” Russell notes:
“We are swimming in rivers – flash floods! – of adrenaline right now. ‘Black Lavender’ is a song about extending grace and soothing comfort to a chosen sister…the kind I have trouble extending to myself…But the beautiful thing is, she’s the same way – and she gives it all back and some. Brittney Spencer is a voice for all the ages who we NEED right now. We saved this song for Juneteenth for a reason. Black women have been showing up for each other in this way as long as we’ve been here, and we can’t stop won’t stop now!
Incomparable
That’s what we all are, you know?
Precious, Magical
