The Huntress and Holder of Hands — the project that phoenixed from the loss of songwriter MorganEve Swain‘s husband and musical partner, Dave Lamb (Brown Bird) in 2014 — have announced their second album, Babylon, due June 5th. Alongside the announcement, the band have shared their new single, Promethean, out today.
KLOF Mag readers will no doubt remember Brown Bird, whom we’ve previously covered and featured, including the 2017 tribute album A Light I Can Feel, which brought together friends of the band to expand and honour their catalogue. In the years since, Swain has channelled that grief into new work — first with The Huntress and Holder of Hands’ 2016 debut Avalon, and latterly as a full-time member of DIY Americana outfit The Devil Makes Three.
A decade on from Avalon, Babylon is described as heavier and fuller than its predecessor. Recorded at Providence’s Machines With Magnets and Dirt Floor Studio in Middletown, CT, the album draws on an expanded ensemble: Matt Swain (Two Feet) on drums, Death Vessel’s Joel Thibodeau and Penn Sultan (Museum Legs, Last Good Tooth) on percussion and atmosphere, Christopher Sadlers on electric bass, and Liz Isenberg and Emily Dix Thomas providing cello, bowed string bass and vocal harmonies. Swain ties it all together with electric guitar, violin and lead vocals. As the title suggests, the collection grapples with corruption, confusion and violence — but also redemption, hope and sanctuary.
New single Promethean sets the tone — a bold half-time groove and folky instrumentation conjuring an atmosphere that is moody and earthy. On the track, Swain shares: “As punishment for stealing fire and bettering humanity with technology, Prometheus is doomed to have his liver eaten by an eagle every day. We all benefit from his sacrifice. But whether societally or personally are we not all caught in some Promethean struggle? And what is there to do but rise with the tides?”
Catch MorganEve Swain on tour with The Devil Makes Three this summer, with live Huntress dates to follow later in 2026.
Pre-Order Babylon via Bandcamp: https://thehuntressmusic.bandcamp.com/album/babylon
The Devil Makes Three Tour Dates
4/19/2026 – 4/20/2026 – South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
8/7/2026 – 8/9/2026 – Alta, WY @ Servant Jazz Quarters
9/4/2026 – 9/6/2026 Charlestown, RI @ Rhythm and Roots Festival
9/24/2026 – 9/27/2026 – Louisville, KY @ Bourbon & Beyond