With, Caviar For Seagulls, Aistis reaffirms his status as a singular voice in alternative folk, crafting a record that is as poetic as it is musically adventurous. Following the success of Clay, this album finds Aistis at his most introspective, exploring themes of self-reckoning, nostalgia, and the slipperiness of memory. It is an album steeped in both melancholy and resilience, a sonic tapestry woven with equal parts sorrow and hope.
Aistis’ production choices elevate, Caviar For Seagulls, beyond conventional folk, infusing it with a grandeur that recalls Old Hollywood film scores. The sweeping strings, jazz-inflected horns, and delicate synth textures lend an air of theatricality, transforming each song into a vivid vignette. From the aching pedal steel on “Nothing Here Ever Changes” to the triumphant, soaring melodies of “Rejoice,” Aistis masterfully balances light and dark.
His lyrics cut deep, with sharp observations on human fragility and the passage of time. “The Inpatient” is a stark reflection on empathy, while “86/Dove” pays homage to Leonard Cohen’s wisdom on acceptance and surrender. Throughout the album, Aistis wrestles with the solipsism of suffering, yet never fully succumbs to despair. Instead, he leaves room for hope, allowing the album’s closing moments to whisper the possibility of renewal.
The recording process at The Treatment Room in Montreal, with Gilles Castilloux and Niall Mutter, brought an organic richness to the album’s sound. The production is meticulous yet never overwrought, allowing Aistis’ storytelling to shine through. Each sonic choice feels intentional, amplifying the emotional weight of his words.
More than just an album, Caviar For Seagulls, is an experience—one that invites listeners to sit with their emotions, embrace imperfection, and find beauty in vulnerability. Aistis has created a work that is hauntingly beautiful, one that will surely stand the test of time.
