The Lithuanian-Canadian artist’s third album is his most ambitious to date, layering orchestral instrumentation with poetic lyricism and art-folk sensibilities.
Following the critical success of his 2024 LP Clay—which received regular rotation on SIRIUS XM and was named one of the “50 best albums of the year” by DOMINIONATED—Aistis solidifies his place as a distinctive voice in alternative folk, continuing to push the boundaries of poetic lyricism and musical experimentation.
Personal favourites include ‘Nothing Here Ever Changes’, which sets the tone with mournful strings and pedal steel guitar. Aistis’ vocals are subdued, almost conversational, mirroring the song’s meditation on stagnation and time’s passing. Whereas ‘Rejoice’ contrasts this intimate songwriting with soaring brass arrangements and layered choral harmonies, evoking a moment of spiritual release.
Aistis’ command of dynamic contrast is evident as the track shifts from quiet reflection to triumphant resolve. ‘86 (Dove)’ pays homage to Leonard Cohen, both lyrically and musically. Sparse guitar and hushed vocals capture the vulnerability of acceptance, while subtle clarinet swells add a nostalgic touch. ‘The Inpatient’ strips back the ornamentation, leaving Aistis’ raw vocal delivery exposed. The questioning tone of the lyrics is mirrored by dissonant piano chords and muted percussion, creating a palpable sense of unease.
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Recorded at The Treatment Room in Montreal with engineer Gilles Castilloux and co-producer Niall Mutter, the album’s meticulous production allows Aistis’ complex arrangements to breathe. Strings, woodwinds, and subtle synth textures weave together seamlessly. Aistis balances dark themes of isolation and mental health with moments of quiet hope. The album’s conclusion—“A part of me believes the best is yet to come”—reflects this delicate equilibrium. Caviar For Seagulls is a triumph of vulnerability and artistic vision.
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