Allison Russell Announces Third Album, ‘In the Hour of Chaos’

Singer-songwriter and actress Allison Russell has announced the coming release of her third solo album, and her first in three years, “In the Hour of Chaos.” It arrives July 10 and is preceded today by a first single, “Cold April,” that features appearances from Kara Jackson, Denitia and a kids’ chorus, the Explore! Pop Choir.

“In the Hour of Chaos” is filled with guest spots, with all but one of the 10 tracks being billed with at least one featured guest. Others appearing prominently on the album include Norah Jones, Joy Oladokun, Brittney Spencer, Ruby Amanfu, Sara Watkins, Julie WIlliams, Devon Gilfillian, Kyshona, Kashus Culpepper, Chibueze Ihuoma and Ahya Simone. An announcement statement leans into what it means to have that extensive a list of guest stars, describing the album as “a collaborative song suite.”

Russell’s album will arrive 10 days into a six-week summer tour on which she will be the opening act for fellow Canadian artist Sarah McLachlan, running July 1 through Aug. 9, with stops that include two nights at L.A.’s Greek Theatre Aug. 4-5. Starting Oct. 15, Russell will then begin doing her own headline dates in the U.S. and Canada.

The album is Russell’s first since 2023’s “The Returner,” which won her the Americana Award for album of the year. Since then she has achieved greater notoriety in a long stretch as Hozier’s opening act on his “Unreal Unearth” arena tour, and in two stints playing the role of Persephone in “Hadestown” on Broadway.

The single “Cold April” has Russell joined not just by Jackson (who was opening act on the “Returner” tour) and Denitia but her daughter’s choir. Of the song, Russell says, “Things are rough. Things have been rough before. ‘Cold April’ is not laying out the grim facts of the moment. ‘Cold April’ asks if we can let the music itself restore and recharge us. The act of singing with my sisters, Kara Jackson and Denitia, is a balm for my soul, and a wind at my back to keep on. And the Explore! Pop Choir… Let them tell it:…” She then quotes the lyrics:  “Calling all birds from across the nation / Yeah we got a brand new murmuration / We don’t have to fly in that old formation, no.” Russell concludes: “Youth — and Love — will be served!”

After first establishing herself on the music scene with the duos or groups Po’Girl, Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters, Russell first came to prominence as a solo artist with the darker personal themes of “Outside Child” in 2021. Like “The Returner,” “In the Hour of Chaos” looks to make a more joyful noise, with an even greater emphasis on collaboration.

An announcement describes the album as “a fervent plea for connection in this time of alienation, isolation and dread. These are songs meant to reverse the tides that pull us farther and farther apart, even from ones we love the most. This is a record meant to make you feel GOOD, and, in these times, feeling good is a radical act. It’s only fitting then, that Russell leaned into her vibrant and ever expanding community of artists and friends to create a collaborative song suite that goes far beyond a succession of features.” 

The track list for “In the Hour of Chaos”:

Russell’s tour dates for 2026, with opening sets for McLachlan followed by newly announced headline dates in bold:

Jul 1 – FirstBank Amphitheater – Franklin, TN*
Jul 3 – Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park – Atlanta, GA*
Jul 7 – TD Pavilion at The Mann – Philadelphia, PA*
Jul 8 – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater – Bridgeport, CT*
Jul 10 – Leader Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA*
Jul 11 – Forest Hills Stadium – Forest Hills, NY*
Jul 12 – BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH*
Jul 14 – Artpark Mainstage Theater – Lewiston, NY*
Jul 15 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill – Sterling Heights, MI*
Jul 17 – Acrisure Amphitheater – Grand Rapids, MI*
Jul 18 – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island – Chicago, IL*
Jul 19 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN*
Jul 21 – PNC Pavilion – Cincinnati, OH*
Jul 23 – Saint Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO*
Jul 24 – Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO*
Jul 26 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX*
Jul 30 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre – West Valley City, UT*
Aug 1 – Toyota Pavilion at Concord – Concord, CA*
Aug 2 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA*
Aug 4 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA*
Aug 5 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA*
Aug 7 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR*
Aug 8 – Chateau Ste Michelle Winery – Woodinville, WA*
Aug 9 – Chateau Ste Michelle Winery – Woodinville, WA*
Oct 15 – The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC
Oct 22 – Allied Music Centre – Massey Hall – Toronto, ON
Oct 23 – Theatre Beanfield – Montreal, QC
Oct 24 – Imperial Bell – Quebec City, QC
Oct 25 – National Arts Centre – Southam Hall – Ottawa, ON
Oct 27 – Higher Ground The Ballroom – South Burlington, VT
Nov 1 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
Nov 3 – Burton Cummings Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
Nov 5 – Winspear Centre – Edmonton, AB
Nov 6 – Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Event Centre – Calgary, AB
Nov 9 – University of British Columbia Vancouver Chan Centre – Vancouver, BC