Seattle-based artist Brittany Davis is set to release her highly anticipated new album, Black Thunder, on June 13, under Loosegroove Records, the label run by Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam. The album's first single, “Amid The Blackout Of The Night,” is out today, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Davis’ musical journey. With a sound that channels the spirit of iconic artists like Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Black Thunder delivers a deeply immersive and cathartic listening experience that marks a significant departure from Davis’ previous work.
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| BRITTANY DAVIS :: Photography by Lance Mercer |
The Making of Black Thunder
Black Thunder is a product of raw creativity and deep collaboration. The album was created through intense improvisation during two days in the studio, with Brittany Davis on keys and vocals, Evan Flory-Barnes on bass, and D’Vonne Lewis on drums. This trio, who barely knew each other before this recording, was able to strip away the pressure of overthinking and embrace a true, organic, and live performance style.
Produced by Josh Evans, Black Thunder invites listeners to feel the pulse of the music rather than just hear it. Steeped in Black and Afrocentric cultural influences, the album reflects Davis’ stylistic maturation and profound emotional expression. The trio’s collective sound is evocative, unrelenting, and unique, and its spontaneity is a testament to the musicians' ability to create in the moment.
In the words of Josh Evans, “Brittany, Evan, and D’Vonne have, in some way, been preparing for this recording all their lives... to listen deeply, respond empathetically, speak with uncomfortable honesty, and be vulnerable.” This philosophy resonates throughout the album, where every note is a reflection of the artists' dedication to authenticity.
Brittany Davis: A Journey of Resilience
Brittany Davis, who has been blind since birth, has faced significant challenges throughout her life and career. Her debut album, Image Issues, released in 2023, received widespread critical acclaim, earning praise from outlets like NPR, KEXP, SPIN, and World Cafe. Her appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk and her feature on Good Morning America in 2023 solidified her as a unique and powerful voice in the music industry.
Her first album explored urban soul-funk with the use of drum machines and programmed keys. However, Black Thunder marks a dramatic shift in her sound. This new work embraces a fully live, organic performance style, highlighting her growth as an artist and the depth of her musical versatility. Davis continues to break down barriers and explore new creative realms, challenging expectations and inviting her listeners into a more intimate and visceral experience.
The Heart of Black Thunder
The album’s first single, “Amid The Blackout Of The Night,” exemplifies the emotional depth and vulnerability Davis brings to her music. The lyrics explore themes of absence and presence, as Davis sings, “So many things I’ve never seen / but I’ve touched it all, it seems.” The track hints at her ability to capture emotions and feelings that transcend physical sight, a poignant reminder of how music can evoke images and sensations beyond the visual realm. As Josh Evans reflects, “Is there more to seeing than just sight?”
Black Thunder is more than just an album; it’s an experience. It’s a creative thunderclap from an artist who channels something far larger than herself — something divine, something ancient, something transcendent.
Track Listing for Black Thunder:
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Ancestors
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All You Get
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Ancestors II
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Amid the Blackout of the Night
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Ancestors III
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Black Thunder
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Ancestors IV
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Change Me
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Ancestors V
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Girl (Don’t You Know)
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Girl (Now We’re the Same)
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Ancestors VI
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Mirrors
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Ancestors VII
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Sarah’s Song
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Sun and Moon
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Ancestors VIII
Black Thunder is set for release on June 13 via Loosegroove Records. With this album, Brittany Davis continues to break boundaries and solidify her place as a one-of-a-kind artist in today’s music scene.
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