Laisvė Šaukia

This latest 14-track, live recording from prolific Lithuanian multi-instrumentalist Saulius Petreikis and his guitarist brother Donatas Petreikis, came out in July this year and was reportedly two years in the making; in other words, it was composed before and during the pandemic period. This likely explains, at least in part, both the album title (meaning ‘Freedom is Calling’) and a notable intensity and feeling of sincerity that pervades it.

As with several previous Pertreikis albums, Laisvė Šaukia sounds like it would work well as the soundtrack to a historical drama featuring Viking-like warriors and romantic landscapes. With a quite large cast of 11, including a full rhythm and brass section, the overall sound is satisfyingly full and the arrangements straightforward and proficiently played. The Saulius and Donatas Petreikis contributions on various wind instruments and guitar respectively are particularly enjoyable. Tracks alternate between jaunty and almost bellicose (such as on ‘Tūto’), and slower tempo, yearning, simple and charming songs such as ‘Mane Tenebras’ (Dark Morning) and ‘Laikas Namo’ (Time To Go Home).