The Returner

by Allison Russell

Overview

Allison Russell follows up her marvelous 2021 debut with The Returner, a boisterous, life-affirming record that examines the past while embracing the unknown. The traumas unpacked on her previous outing remain an essential part of her personal narrative, but the Montreal-via-Nashville roots artist finds herself bidding adieu to her darkest times as she shifts into her next creative phase. It's a liberation of sorts, a casting out of demons and an unapologetic embrace of the tenacity and strength earned after overcoming periods of sexual abuse and homelessness in her younger years. Backed by an all-female band that includes legendary Prince collaborators Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, The Returner is musically and sonically eclectic, an ethos Russell has adopted throughout her career. At its core, it plays like a fiery R&B rave-up fueled by rock, pop, gospel, soul, folk, and psychedelia, sometimes all in the same track. Like many of its songs, opener "Springtime" drifts nimbly back and forth between English and French as Russell shrugs off past shadows over a tight groove and vibrant call-and-response vocals. "Demons," a surprisingly upbeat exorcism, follows a similar trajectory, while the bluesy folk standout "Eve Was Black" boldly traces the roots of racism. The production is experimental without getting in the way of the songs or performances which sound remarkably contemporary and present. "Rag Child" is a perfect example, a timeless track of exultant pop that transcends eras and genres. Russell's story would be compelling enough on its own, but she also happens to be an engaging and unpredictable artist able to translate her vision effectively. The Returner is a very confident second record. ~ Timothy Monger

Product Details

Release Date:	09/08/2023
Label:	Fantasy
UPC:	0888072524095

Tracks

1. Springtime
2. The Returner
3. All Without Within
4. Demons
5. Eve Was Black
6. Stay Right Here
7. Shadowlands
8. Rag Child
9. Snakelife
10. Requiem

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Allison Russell   Primary Artist,Banjo,Vocals,Clarinet,Vocal Harmony
Larissa Maestro   Cello,Vocals,Vocal Harmony
Ganessa James   Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Vocal Harmony,Bass
Kerenza Peacock   Violin
Elizabeth Pupo-Walker   Percussion,Synthesizer
Megan McCormick   Guitar (Electric)
Joy Clark   Vocals,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Acoustic)
Chauntee Ross   Violin,Vocals,Vocal Harmony
Wiktoria Bialic   Drums,Bottle,Shaker,Percussion
Meg McCormick   Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Electric)
Wendy Melvoin   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Bass,Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Vocal Harmony
Lisa Coleman   Piano,Vocals,Synthesizer,Vocal Harmony
Brandi Carlile   Vocals,Vocal Harmony
Brandy Clark   Vocals,Vocal Harmony
JT Nero   Vocals,Vocal Harmony
Elenna Canlas   Guitar,Vocals,Synthesizer,Fender Rhodes,Vocal Harmony,Synthesizer Bass
Mandy Fer   Vocals,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Hozier   Vocals,Vocal Harmony
Mac Mc Cormick   Bass,Lap Steel Guitar,Guitar (Electric)
Megan Coleman   Drums,Percussion
Meg Coleman   Drums
Monique Ross   Cello,Vocals,Vocal Harmony,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Larissa Maestro   Arranger,String Arrangements
Kelsey Porter   Assistant Engineer
Chauntee Ross   Arranger
Dim Star   Producer,Recording Producer
Jessi Ujazi   Artwork,Cover Design
Kim Rosen   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Dim Stars   Producer,Recording Producer
JT Nero   Composer
Allison Russell   Composer,Producer,Recording Producer
Brandon Bell   Mixing,Engineer,Recording
Carrie Smith   Package Design
Drew Lindsay   Arranger,Composer
Dana Trippe   Photography
Sista Strings   String Arrangements
Monique Ross   Arranger