Credit: Sarah Wright Photography
Twelve Days In June is the creative project of Dave Hulegaard, a Schenectady-based artist whose music draws heavily from the rich legacy of 90s alternative rock. Hulegaard started the project as a form of protest against the evolving post-Nirvana rock landscape. Many of his favorite bands either disbanded or veered into new artistic directions, leaving him yearning for the sound that first ignited his passion for music. To keep that era alive, Twelve Days In June became his personal time capsule—a way to preserve the alternative rock ethos that defined his youth. Even now, with decades between him and the 90s, Hulegaard’s mission remains the same: to craft music that fills the gaps left in his personal collection, ensuring that those nostalgic sounds remain alive and relevant.
Twelve Days In June revealed their fourth studio album, “Hiraeth”, on October 18th, 2024. A sequel to ‘La Luna’ from last year, this album captures the essence of 90s alternative rock in a musical way. Produced by Ben Hirschfield, “Hiraeth” presents a potent mixture of longing and self-reflection. The name of the album, “Hiraeth,” is a Welsh term that represents a strong desire for a place or time that may be gone, a suitable theme for the emotional and auditory adventure that this album offers to its audience.
“Hiraeth” transports you from the first track to the last notes, enveloping you in a sonic landscape reminiscent of a forgotten era’s mixtape. Taking cues from famous bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Swervedriver, Local H, The Lemonheads, and The Smiths, Twelve Days In June skillfully combines grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock to create a unified, emotive sound. The guitars bring a dynamic energy to the album, driving it forward, while the melodies evoke a mix of sadness and happiness that runs through the whole album.
Hiraeth Album Track List:
Numb:
“Numb” establishes the mood for “Hiraeth” from the beginning, serving as a strong introduction. The song captivates the audience with a captivating guitar riff at the beginning, then gives room for a female voice to come forward. The way she speaks makes it seem like she is talking personally to the listener, blurring the boundary between a song and a private chat. As soon as she finishes speaking, a man’s voice takes over with an emotional singing, changing the mood of the song and leading it in a more musical path. The interaction between the two voices creates a profound emotional resonance that is present in the entire song.
The Instrumentation in “Numb” is complex and layered, blending clear, shining guitars with sudden bursts of distortion. Underneath, throbbing basslines and powerful drums form a stable foundation, providing the song with both energy and substance. Atmospheric synthesizers create a dynamic texture and a feeling of spaciousness that elevates the song above the usual alternative rock standard. The deliberate arrangement of musical instruments creates a captivating sonic environment, encouraging the listener to become enveloped in the emotional undertones of the song.
The singer skillfully transitions between low, haunting tones and powerful, soaring highs in the vocal performance of “Numb”, standing out. This ability to sing in different ways contributes to the emotional effect, aligning perfectly with the changing dynamics of the music. The combination of vocals, guitars, and synthesizers seems natural, as though each component was designed to complement the others. Once the last notes of “Numb” disappear, it leaves a strong impact, creating high hopes for the album and giving a preview of the atmospheric experience that “Hiraeth” will bring.
The Day I Learned Your Name:
“The Day I Learned Your Name” marks a pivotal moment on “Hiraeth”, offering a refreshing shift in tone as the album unfolds. The track opens with a minimalist approach, featuring simple instrumentation and a relaxed vocal delivery that immediately draws listeners into its gentle rhythm. However, just as the mood settles, a driving beat enters, injecting the song with a vibrant energy that transforms the composition. This dynamic shift gives the track a lively momentum, striking the perfect balance between introspection and catchiness.
The heartbeat of the song lies in its seamless blend of upbeat instrumentation and calm vocal execution. The singer’s voice carries a resonant quality that doesn’t need to push for attention—it simply glides over the music with effortless ease. This relaxed tone feels intentional, complementing the song’s rhythm and allowing the instrumentation to take center stage without overpowering the vocals. The result is a sound that feels organic and natural, inviting listeners to engage with the music on both an emotional and rhythmic level.
What makes “The Day I Learned Your Name” especially captivating is the polish and depth of its arrangement. Every instrument feels purposeful, from the crisp drumbeat to the subtle layers of guitar that enrich the soundscape. The song’s structure is tight and carefully executed, ensuring that the energy remains compelling without ever becoming overwhelming. It’s a standout track that captures the essence of “Hiraeth”—a polished, thoughtful piece of music that resonates long after it ends.
Miranda Lawson:
“Miranda Lawson” takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey, starting with a slow, ethereal soundscape that feels dreamlike and atmospheric. The track gradually introduces a subtle beat, adding energy to its hypnotic foundation without disrupting the serene vibe. This delicate layering draws the listener deeper into the song, creating a tranquil yet immersive sound that sets the stage for the vocals to emerge.
When the vocals enter, they do so with a gentle, heartfelt tone that feels both touching and intimate. The singer’s voice carries emotional weight, resonating with depth without ever becoming overbearing. As the track progresses, the vocal delivery evolves, becoming richer and more dynamic, mirroring the music’s gradual transformation. The synergy between the expanding instrumentation and the increasingly expressive vocals gives the track an organic, unfolding quality, as if it’s revealing its layers little by little.
At its core, “Miranda Lawson” is a beautifully crafted composition, blending simplicity with complexity in a seamless flow. The slow build from sparse beginnings to a fuller, more intricate arrangement makes the song feel like an emotional crescendo. Every element, from the ethereal sounds to the vibrant beat and expressive vocals, contributes to the song’s profound sense of meaning. It’s a track that invites reflection and rewards repeated listening, offering something new to uncover with every play.
The Wanderer:
“The Wanderer” is a poignant and emotionally resonant piece that stands out as one of the most heartfelt tracks on “Hiraeth”. The vocal delivery is the soul of the song, carrying a tender, touching quality that pulls listeners into its emotional orbit. There’s an understated vulnerability in the way the vocals are performed, allowing the raw emotion to shine through without excess. Each lyric feels like a personal reflection, delivered with a softness that makes the song feel deeply intimate.
The instrumentation on “The Wanderer” mirrors the restrained nature of the vocals, staying within a delicate range that emphasizes subtlety over grandiosity. The beat, along with the accompanying sounds, maintains a steady presence, adding depth and structure to the track without overpowering the vocal delivery. This balance creates a sense of quiet strength, as the music gently propels the song forward, drawing the listener deeper into its contemplative mood.
What makes this track particularly captivating is its ability to evoke profound emotions with such simplicity. The carefully arranged instrumentation works in perfect harmony with the vocals, resulting in a performance that feels both deliberate and organic. There’s a sense of longing embedded within the song that resonates long after it ends, making “The Wanderer” a standout moment on the album—one that invites listeners to pause, reflect, and connect with its gentle, evocative beauty.
Thematically, “Hiraeth” explores grief, isolation, nihilism, and mortality, turning the album into a cathartic experience akin to a therapeutic release. Each of the 13 tracks contributes to the album’s emotional depth, as if Hulegaard is working through life’s heaviest moments, one song at a time. It’s music you feel as much as you hear—like sitting in on a heartfelt confession or processing unspoken emotions in the company of old friends. The production amplifies the raw energy that underpins “Hiraeth”. Ben Hirschfield’s touch brings clarity to the dense layers of instrumentation, allowing the richness of each arrangement to shine through.
Twelve Days In June has never been content to follow trends, and “Hiraeth” stands as a testament to Hulegaard’s artistic integrity. It’s an ambitious work that pays tribute to the sounds that shaped him, while also carving out a space of its own in today’s music landscape. Whether you’re a longtime fan of 90s rock or a new listener looking for something with soul and grit, “Hiraeth” delivers in every way. This album is a must-listen, not just for its stellar musicianship, but for the way it taps into universal emotions—reminding us of what it means to long for something, even if we can’t quite put it into words. Do yourself a favor and dive into “Hiraeth”—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
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