Jour 1596 is a collaborative effort between Helena Deland and Ouri that stretches across 1,596 days, creating an album that’s as thoughtful as it is immersive. It’s a dialogue between two artists who navigate sound and emotion with an intentional sense of intimacy. Across ten tracks, they have crafted a listening experience that invites us into a delicate, divine space.

The opening track, “Bach in Town,” introduces a dreamy atmosphere with vocals that drift gently, similar to artists like Gracie Abrams and Billie Eilish. Yet, Helena and Ouri don’t allow the album to settle into one mood. The music shifts in and out of clarity, creating a sense of gentle motion that carries the listener along. It sets a peaceful tone that lingers throughout, but there’s always a hint of something just out of reach, urging you to listen with more attention.

The album’s depth reveals itself through layers of texture and subtle production choices.. The song “Cruel” takes an unconventional approach to production, allowing the sounds of fingers sliding across guitar strings to remain, highlighting the rawness of the recording. It’s an embrace of imperfection that adds an unexpected, organic touch to the album.

Ouri’s multi-instrumental skills bring a refined quality to the music, blending classical influences seamlessly into the sound. Her use of the harp on “Rememember Me” adds an airy, almost weightless quality to the track, combined with the vocals living in a higher register, a sense of fragility and grace is created.

Similarly is “Beverly,” featuring a piano played in the highest octaves, while other instruments fade in and out, the piano maintains a consistent presence. This choice gives the song a sense of continuity amid the more fleeting sounds around it, serving as a steady reference point for the listener. It’s a subtle touch that underscores the thoughtfulness put into the album’s arrangement.

Jour 1596 is rich in production and requires active listening to appreciate its many details. It’s an album that rewards time and attention, revealing new layers with each listen. While it encourages moments of reflection, there’s always something there to keep you grounded—a delicate piano archipelago or sharp, contrasting vocals. For those willing to engage with its subtleties, the album offers a deeply textured journey that’s both intimate and expansive.

order by Jour 1596 by Hildegard HERE