Aistis – Caviar For Seagulls (2025)
In the realm of alternative folk, few voices resonate as deeply and universally as Aistis, and with the release of his latest album, Caviar For Seagulls, this Montreal-based artist cements his status as a masterful storyteller. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Leonard Cohen and David Berman, Aistis weaves a deeply personal and intimate narrative, one that effortlessly navigates the complexities of the human experience.
From the opening notes, it’s clear that Caviar For Seagulls is an album that defies categorization. Grand, cinematic arrangements blend seamlessly with folk traditions, creating a sonic landscape that is at once both theatrical and introspective. It’s an album that demands to be immersed in, with each track flowing effortlessly into the next to create a singular, cohesive work of art.
One of the album’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance vulnerability and theatricality. Aistis’ lyrics are a masterclass in introspective lyricism, tackling themes of self-reckoning, nostalgia, and the fragility of memory with unflinching honesty. And yet, despite the album’s preoccupation with the darker aspects of the human experience, there’s a sense of hope and resilience that permeates every track.
Standout tracks like ‘Nothing Here Ever Changes’ and ‘86/Dove’ showcase Aistis’ remarkable range, veering from whimsical folk to soul-stirring introspection. The latter, a poignant dedication to Leonard Cohen, is particularly noteworthy, with Aistis channelling the wisdom of his idol to confront the things that cannot be changed. It’s a moment of profound introspection, one that sets the tone for the album’s exploration of the human condition.
If Caviar For Seagulls has a weakness, it’s the tendency to get lost in the solipsism of suffering. At times, the album’s preoccupation with the darker aspects of human nature can feel overwhelming. But Aistis is a masterful storyteller, and he’s aware of this risk as he shares, “a part of me believes the best is yet to come” which offers a glimmer of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always the possibility of redemption.
Throughout Caviar For Seagulls, Aistis proves himself to be a singular voice in alternative folk, crafting an album that is both poetic and musically adventurous. It’s a record that will appeal to fans of Cohen and Berman, but also to anyone who’s ever felt the need to explore the depths of their own humanity. Ultimately, Caviar For Seagulls is an album that will leave you changed, a haunting meditation on the human condition that will linger long after the final notes fade away.
Find out more about Aistis on his Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more folk music on The Other Side Reviews Folk playlist:
