In the wild and often bewildering world of improv music, Alex Riva's "Solos and More" stands out like a Martian at a Carnatic music class (to quote one track of this recording!). If you’ve ever wondered what it might sound like to crossbreed avant-garde recorder techniques with South Indian classical singing, wonder no more — Riva has managed to deliver exactly that, with a side of existential dimensions and a sprinkle of cosmic humor.

Riva's approach to the recorder is nothing short of revolutionary — or perhaps, depending on your perspective, mildly rebellious. This isn't the sweet, nostalgic whistle from your childhood music class. No, Riva wields his recorders with a rough, radical flair, turning them into instruments of auditory intrigue and, at times, outright bewilderment. "The Self-Immolation of a Toe" kicks things off with an aptly bizarre title, setting the stage for the unconventional sonic journey ahead.

"Beedi Power" is where Riva's experimental chops truly shine. Here, he employs techniques discovered during the recording session in Bangalore, producing sounds that are as surprising as they are perplexing. It's a track that might leave traditionalists scratching their heads, but for those who revel in the unexpected, it's a delightfully raw display of innovation.

The collaboration with Bindhumalini on "Carnatic Music Class with a Martian" is a highlight, showcasing the seamless fusion of South Indian classical singing with Riva's free improvisation. Bindhumalini’s voice, known for its poignant expressiveness, adds a layer of estranging beauty to the closing track. Her effortless transition from everyday mundanity to a world of sound is nothing short of enchanting, making this track a unique blend of the terrestrial and the otherworldly.

Mikael Szafirowski's contributions, particularly on "Mika's Minutes," offer a different flavor altogether. His remixes and sensitivity to sequences add a playful yet profound dimension to the album. "Sun Ra Becomes Rasam" is a prime example, mixing Riva's flute tones with Szafirowski’s whimsical yet meticulous approach, resulting in a funnily harsh track that feels like a concentrated burst of color and tempo, constantly on the threshold of harmful dissonances.

"The Reincarnation of a Toe" deserves special mention, not just for its title but for its execution. Riva's circular breathing technique on two high flutes creates a meandering, almost hypnotic soundscape that pulls the listener into a trance-like state (if it won't work as a call for angry cicadas).

"Narasimha's Toothbrush", although brief, is another quirky gem. It's a fleeting, playful interlude that keeps the listener on their toes, reminding us that Riva's music is as much about humor and surprise as it is about serious experimentation.

"Solos and More" is definitely not an album for the rigid traditionalist. The listeners ho want to embrace the unexpected will find Riva's musical journey, which defies norms and delights in its own audacious creativity, as thought-provoking as entertaining.