The latest album by Lithuanian-Canadian sound artist Aistis, Clay, is experimental and evocative. This eleven-song alternative folk album blends reality and imagination to examine the cyclical nature of intricate relationships. It was written in the closing moments of recording Caviar For Seagulls, his next album.
In, Clay, Aistis deftly combines invented stories with real-life events, making it impossible to tell reality from fiction. His creative brilliance is apparent as he delves into topics of love, self-discovery, and the transient nature of human connection. Songs like “Thought It Over (And I Think You Should Move On)” and “So They Say” reflect moments of clarity and resignation, while “Lilac Perfume” evokes a sense of nostalgic yearning.
Aistis comments on the release, “Navigating a confusing and beautiful relationship became the starting point for Clay. Blending reality with intentional fiction, the album explores love, hypocrisy, self-reflection, and beauty.” The album blends imagination and reality to depict a character mired in the complications of love. He uses unpredictable speed and creative song structures to explore the notion of letting go of a lover just to be dragged back.
As a versatile artist, Aistis showcases his dynamic songwriting and storytelling nodding to influences like Leonard Cohen and David Berman. This offering is truly an exceptional piece from Aistis.