Roman Flügel Live at Robert Johnson Vol. 5

'This must be deep.' I remember thinking near the end of the first track, the first time I listened to LARJ vol. 5. The subtleties of just what it is Fleugel is doing here are not immediately evident. Even to the ears of practiced dj's the flawless selection and finesse in the mix make for a unique listening experience.

By the fourth track my ears are engaged and my foot tapping. I realize, not just as a result of what I am hearing, but what I am anticipating. That is the true embrace of the artform; to consider the dj mix as a whole, both presentation and selection are executed with quiet confidence to incredible results. The energy level rises and falls, changes are minimal at times and my mind wanders as I listen further.

The deeper it gets, the more energetic. By the time Landscapes by Idioma comes along, just over halfway things really mellow out. The heat rises before you know what's happening, and Flugel challenges the listener again. The journey is driven by a beat so determined, it can change in anyway you'd ever want it to without losing it's flavor.

This is going on the next time everyone I know ends up at my apartment after I dj a set. It requires as much of it's listener as it offers, both in attention as well as energy. Because it is so subtle it does not expose itself immediately and defies categorization as the record plays. As it proceeds, I notice the minimal use of vocals. Often in the form of samples and loops as the mix progresses I can begin to picture the party where this plays.

The final piece entitled Brian leBon, one of several of Flugel's own tracks and one of the two exclusives to the mix; really almost announces that you have reached the finale. This is yet another testament to Flugel's attention to the nuances of his live mix. The layers in place and their interaction is a thing of sheer beauty for those with ears to notice.

The conclusion is such a reward for a challenging record. I picture myself walking in the city with this album and reaching my destination at the onset of 'Brian leBon'. If in fact you are a listener willing to give your electronic music the chance to challenge what you're accustomed to then put this in your attention span. Don't try too hard, because the music will not either. Let it happen naturally, and I assure you won't regret it.

Rating: 8/10
Label: LARJ
Release date: 10-5-2010

Tracklist
1 Freund Der Familie - Pewars
2 Itzone Azul - Magico
3 Roman Flügel - N.M.I.S.M.D.
4 Armando feat. Sharvette - Don't Take It (Thomos Edit)
5 Molex - Kick C
6 Ink And Needle - Five
7 Ben Klock - Before One (Original Mix)
8 Nail - Optimus
9 Idioma - Landscapes
10 Forevereaction - U People (Dance Mix)
11 Maetrik - Show Me
12 Soylent Green - Humpty Acid
13 Ratsnake - Swedish Woman
14 Soulphiction - Rise
15 Roman Flügel - Brian Le Bon

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