Back in 2021, Montreal multi-instrumentalists Ouri and Helena Deland teamed up as Hildegard and released the project's excellent self-titled debut album. Both artists have remained prolific in their solo efforts and additional collaborations in the years since, but have now reunited for Hildegard's sophomore effort — previewed today by new single "Cruel."
Jour 1596 arrives October 18 through Chivichivi. Unlike the spontaneous creation of their debut, which was made over just eight days, Hildegard's second LP was meticulously crafted over the course of 1596 days as the pair grappled with the expectations of following up their first record. Jour 1596 was composed during yearly week-long winter retreats to rural Quebec, and features contributions from Benja (guitar), Zach Frampton (piano), Christopher Edmondson (saxophone) and Phil Melanson (drums).
Ouri and Deland described lead single cruel as "[a] dialogue between lovers or friends, where one seeks stability while the other is drawn towards disruption and change." Exercising subtlety with a jazzy, wandering bassline and their breathy, inventive harmonies, Hildegard reintroduce themselves as an experimental pop force to be reckoned with; there's no telling where their spry melodies will lead next.
Watch the Derek Branscombe-directed "Cruel" video below, where you'll also find the album tracklist in full.
Jour 1596:
1. Bach in Town
2. Player
3. Cruel
4. Duke
5. Remember Me
6. Beverly
7. Le Jardin la Nuit
8. Pour Your Heart Out
9. Melody I Heard
10. To Love Again