Montréal-based singer/songwriter Helena Deland and composer/producer Ourielle Auvé (aka Ouri) took only eight days to make their 2021 self-titled debut album as Hildegard. For their second album, Jour 1596, the process lasted for more than 4 years – the clue is in the title, if you know a lick of French.

Not that they were working on it solidly for all of that time, of course. Deland went back to her own music, crafting and touring behind 2022's Goodnight Summerland, while Ouri has kept her own music flowing on Bandcamp as well as playing in Charlotte Day Wilson's band and presenting her monthly Drawing Doors show on NTS Radio. Once a year, though, the two women would take a week-long retreat in rural Québec to work on the new compositions. What emerged from those sessions was a collection of ten songs that let in the light, moving away from the shadowy electronics of the debut and into a sunnier disposition with jazz-inspired arrangements.

Jour 1596 drops in just three weeks' time (18 October) via Chivi Chivi. Lead single "Cruel" is out today, and is described by Hildegard as a "dialogue between lovers or friends, where one seeks stability while the other is drawn towards disruption and change.” Listen below:

For the first time in the life of Hildegard, Deland and Ouri invited other musicians along for the ride. Joining them on Jour 1596 are pianist Zach Frampton, saxophonist Christopher Edmondson, drummer Phil Melanson, and guitarist Benja, who adds dream-pop textures to punning album opener "Bach in Town". The jazz element is also reflected in the songs like "Duke", which samples Duke Ellington, and "Beverly", named after and inspired by Canadian visionary artist Beverly Glenn-Copeland.

As with their debut, Jour 1596 was produced, mixed, and mastered by Ouri herself.

Jour 1596 tracklist:

1. Bach in Town
2. Player
3. Cruel
4. Duke
5. Rememember Me
6. Beverly
7. Le Jardin la Nuit
8. Pour Your Heart Out
9. Melody I Heard
10. To Love Again