"Ochotona Calls" released in June 2023, marks Eva-Maria Karbacher's debut solo album, showcasing her prowess in free improvisation on the soprano saxophone and maybe a certain passion for ochotonas! The album comprises three tracks: "Concerning Ochotona," "Ochotona Dreams" and "A New Course Of Action" each exploring different but coherent sonic dynamics inspired by the small mammal Ochotona, also known as the pika.

"Concerning Ochotona" introduces listeners to Karbacher's skillful use of soprano saxophone, blending melodic elements with improvised paths and a continuous sequence of squeals and jolts to create an engaging and unpredictable auditory experience both for humans and supposedly for pikas. Saying that "Ochotona Dreams” is a more contemplative track just for its tricky title is a mistake that maybe only an AI can do, as the tracks seems to mirror more a pause or maybe just a temporary metabolic slowing of this nice little mammal, that gets reprised by the initial phrasing of the third and final act, titled "A New Course Of Action", which gradually takes a bolder approach, incorporating a more dynamic (and somehow “epileptic”) range of techniques and expressions, reflecting a journey of discovery and innovation.

Karbacher’s approach is deeply rooted in free improvisation, drawing influences from contemporary music and jazz. Her performances are characterized by an exploration of the full range of the saxophone's capabilities, from gentle whispers to intense outbursts. The album captures her curiosity and willingness to push the boundaries of conventional saxophone music, resulting in a unique and immersive soundscape (definitely more immersive than a BBC documentary on mammals — I'll definitely check in their archives if there's one on pikas and try to enjoy this record by muting it on the screen.

Recorded and mixed with a minimalist approach, "Ochotona Calls" allows the raw, unfiltered sound of the saxophone to shine (or maybe just tracing an imaginary run of the beloved mammal). The album has been praised for its originality and Karbacher’s masterful execution of complex improvisational techniques. Critics and listeners alike have noted the album's ability to convey deep emotional narratives without the use of lyrics or additional instruments, and I can't but confirm those widespread impressions. "Ochotona Calls" is a quite trustable testament to Eva-Maria Karbacher's talent as an improviser and her innovative wildlife-like spirit.