Twelve Days in June, led by Dave Hulegaard from Schenectady, New York, brings us an album full of emotion and deep thought. “Hiraeth,” their fourth album, builds on the success of last year’s “La Luna” and goes even further into the complexities of life. With a mix of 90s alternative rock, grunge, and shoegaze, “Hiraeth” offers a sound that feels both familiar and new. Its touching lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the desire for change, painting a vivid emotional picture.
The album kicks off with “Numb,” a track that lays bare the aftermath of a broken relationship. It explores the feelings of emptiness and bitterness that linger after love fades. The song captures that feeling of emotional distance, where the connection that once felt alive becomes a hollow memory. It’s a powerful reminder of how passion can transform into a sense of nothingness and the ache that comes with it.
Numb
“Magic Hour” takes on a quieter, more reflective tone, touching on loneliness and wanting things to be different. The narrator spends peaceful moments alone, watching the day turn into night and feeling time slip away. The song captures the frustration of hoping for something exciting while feeling stuck and unsure. It’s a simple and relatable look at wanting to break free from everyday routines.
“The Sea Is a Wishing Well” carries on the album’s theme of time passing, highlighting how nothing lasts forever. Using the sea as a wishing well creates a clear image of longing for stability in a world that’s always changing. The song gently reminds us that letting go can bring peace and open the door to new opportunities.
In “Undertow,” the album dives into the emotional turbulence that comes with confronting pain and shame. The imagery of drowning beneath waves speaks to the overwhelming nature of these feelings. It’s a raw and vulnerable exploration of how difficult it can be to face one’s own struggles, yet it also offers a sense of connection for anyone who has ever felt submerged by their emotions.
Undertow
“The Day I Learnt Your Name” brings listeners into a world of nostalgia, regret, and unspoken emotions. Set against the warmth of summer, the song reflects on past connections, mixing moments of joy with a sense of disappointment. It captures the bittersweet nature of looking back on relationships and the realisation that time doesn’t always heal all wounds.
The album moves on with “Polymorphic Light Eruption,” a song that shows the mix of human emotions, from winter’s chill to summer’s warmth. It touches on the balance between joy and loneliness, reminding us that even in our happiest moments, some feelings can still linger beneath the surface. It’s a powerful reflection on the complexity of human feelings and the seasons of life.
“The Bittersweet Season” shifts the focus to the sorrow that can accompany the holiday season, especially for those grieving loss. The contrast between festive cheer and personal sorrow is sharp, as the song captures how grief can feel amplified during times when the world expects joy. It’s a haunting and necessary reminder of how difficult it can be to navigate grief, especially when society often overlooks the pain that lingers beneath the surface.
The Bittersweet Season
In “The Wanderer,” the album addresses the tough decisions that come with love and sacrifice. The narrator wrestles with the desire to protect a loved one while also facing painful truths. The emotional conflict in this song is palpable, as it mirrors the universal struggle of trying to balance care for others with one’s own internal battles.
“Planned Obsolescence” takes a more uplifting turn, encouraging listeners to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. With a sense of urgency, it reminds us that life is fleeting, and we should embrace the present and pursue our passions without hesitation. It’s a call to live boldly, finding joy in the chaos of life and the unknown.
The album ends with “Blush,” a song filled with longing, regret, and the weight of memories. The narrator looks back on the pain of separation and the effort to keep distant connections alive. It’s a tender, bittersweet track that speaks to anyone who’s faced loss, reminding us that while the hurt may lessen, the memories of what we shared stay with us.
In conclusion, “Hiraeth” is a simple and heartfelt album that looks at the ups and downs of life. With honest lyrics and soft melodies, each song touches on feelings like sadness, loneliness, and how time moves on. Twelve Days in June takes listeners on a gentle journey, encouraging them to think about their own experiences and see the mix of happiness and sadness in life.
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