Willow Avalon is finally giving fans what they’ve been asking for… new music. And lots of it is coming soon. Willow Avalon was one of those female stars in the making who turned heads last year with the release of her impressive debut record Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. Sounding somewhere between Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn with a modern edge, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell received incredibly high praise and was named as one of our top country albums of 2025 here at Whiskey Riff, coming in at #31. Not that this weighs a ton of critical merit, but after one listen through the record, I knew that it would land at the top of my Spotify Wrapped, and sure enough, it did. The title track, “The Actor,” and “Country Never Leaves” were my anthems of 2025. Because of how well-received her debut album was, fans were quickly craving new music from the Georgia native. And while she had not confirmed the timeline of when her next LP would come out, fans were sent into a frenzy when she had teased that two albums were in the works. Last year, Avalon even paused touring to focus on her record, building anticipation even further. After releasing her first single of 2026, a cheeky little number titled “Easy On The Eyes,” she’s now revealed to fans that more than just singles are in the pipeline for them. Today, April 10, Willow Avalon has officially announced her sophomore album, Pink Pocket Pistol, out everywhere June 26. View this post on Instagram According to Avalon, the formation of this project was very organic, as it was cut in just a week. Building off the momentum she laid down with Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell, Avalon reveals to fans that the wit and charm they know and love about her is going nowhere on this LP, but they can also expect an eerie and mysterious vibe at parts. “Pink Pocket Pistol is a mix of the lyricism and sassy storylines I’ve continuously written, with more darkness, mystery and a ‘60s country feel. I went in with an idea in my head, and we walked out a week later with it fully executed. Every single person in the room was on the exact same page. It felt wonderful hearing the record out of speakers—after really, intensive, hard work—exactly what I heard in my head.” Avalon added in the social media caption announcing the record: “This record is the beautiful and sweet fruit of years of heartache, revenge plots and a little pinch of everlasting love. I’ve never been more in love with something I’ve created and this record process was one of the most special and fulfilling experiences ive ever been a part of. Thank you to everyone who played on this record. Thank you to my band, my team and all the people who recorded it. Thank you to RCA for having us. I love this record soo much, I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.” Leaning into the darkness she touched on, Avalon shared a new single coinciding with the album announcement, “Cardinal Sin,” featuring Jason Isbell. Avalon has been teasing the tune on TikTok, building a lot of hype for the song of remorse after being unfaithful to a lover. Fans of “The Actor” singer went wild when she revealed that Jason Isbell would be featured on the track. “It’s one of my favorite songs on the record and it’s one of my favorites that I’ve ever written. Having Jason on it was icing on the cake; I’ve loved him for forever. I have four Jason Isbell CDs in my car, another 400 in my house, and I have driven around for the last five years harmonizing with his voice and thinking how insane it would be to sing with him. I’m still so honored that it happened.” View this post on Instagram Penned alongside Tofer Brown, Avalon hangs her head in shame, admitting that she’s committing the one “Cardinal Sin” in life and broke her wedding vows. Sonically, this song features a very soft composition, letting Avalon and Isbell’s voices shine. With the softness of a violin, the hum of a guitar, and the beat of the drum keeping the tempo moving forward, mimicking a marching beat that, despite wanting to call it quits and break down due to her actions, the narrator must keep moving on. When Isbell joins the tune, he speaks from the partner’s point of view and reveals that he, too, wasn’t faithful to their vows. Both parties mourn what once was, reflecting on how they’ve both burned this chapter of their life to the ground. “I fell in love with another, and I, I’ve hurt your mother And I’m, I’m sure your daddy hates me now Your sister swore I was trouble, now I’m Here drinking doubles ’cause I Set fire to our wedding vows Our wedding vows Our wedding vows.” Avalon’s pure, twangy voice, with its noticeable bleat, continues to captivate fans, and “Cardinal Sin” highlights the depth of her songwriting prowess. “Easy On The Eyes” and “Cardinal Sin” perfectly sum up the sassy storylines, combined with darkness and mystery, that she explored on this record… I can’t wait to hear more. Turn it all the way up: Willow Avalon Confirmed Tour Dates: April 25—Indio, CA—Stagecoach June 7—Lexington, KY—Railbird Festival June 20—Boyne, City, MI—Lavender Hill Farm July 18—Beech Mountain, NC—Party On The Mountain July 23-25—Three Forks, MT—Headwaters Country JamThe post Willow Avalon Announces Sophomore Record, ‘Pink Pocket Pistol,’ Releases “Cardinal Sin” Featuring Jason Isbell first appeared on Whiskey Riff.