Twelve Days In June, the cognomen for the talented artist hailing from Schenectady, the city in eastern New York, near the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, offers a bold revival of 90s alternative rock nostalgia with his fourth latest studio album, "Hiraeth." A 13-track journey through emotive soundscapes, "Hiraeth" delivers a perfect mix of raw intensity and melancholic beauty that pulls listeners deep into a sea of introspective themes. Right from the opening track “Numb,” listeners are thrust into the heart of the record’s ethos with grief, isolation, and a poignant longing that echoes through distorted guitars, pounding drums, and filled with angsty vocals. It’s a full-bodied sound that pleads to be played loud and unapologetically.
Tracks like “Magic Hour” and “The Sea Is A Wishing Well” build on this energy, drenched in nostalgia for the grunge era yet presented with a modern edge. The fuzzy riffs and crashing cymbals in “Magic Hour” are reminiscent of bands like Soundgarden or The Smashing Pumpkins, while the atmospheric allure of “The Sea Is A Wishing Well” showcases a more contemplative side, with layered vocals and a sonic ebb and flow that mirror the emotional turbulence the album explores. It’s the sound of longing, appropriately captured by the Welsh word 'hiraeth', and it resonates powerfully throughout the record.
Midway through the album, “Cognitive Distortion” and “Polymorphic Light Eruption” emerge as highlights. “Cognitive Distortion” is aggressive, propelled by hard-hitting rhythms and sharp lyrics that tackle themes of self-doubt and mental turmoil. Meanwhile, “Polymorphic Light Eruption” offers a more experimental edge with haunting synths and dissonant guitars that push the boundaries of the album’s grunge core. These tracks exemplify the cathartic power of "Hiraeth," reflecting Hulegaard’s description of the album as “one long therapy session.” The visceral energy of these tracks creates a catharsis for both the artist and the listener, blending intensity with moments of stark vulnerability.
As the album winds down with tracks like “Planned Obsolescence” and “Blush,” there’s a bittersweet sense of closure. “Blush,” in particular, serves as a fitting closer, its slower tempo and soft, hazy vocals creating a feeling of finality amidst the chaos that preceded it. The track is tender, offering a final moment of reflection before the album comes to a close. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that’s equal parts chaotic and beautiful, a testament to Twelve Days in June’s ability to channel the sounds of the past while crafting something fresh and resonant. "Hiraeth" is an album for fans of ’90s rock and anyone seeking an emotional and sonic journey into the depths of human experience.
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