- Is there anything Roman Flügel won't (or can't) do? Last time it was quirky electro tech, while this month he's collaborated on two 11 minute epics with Ricardo Villalobos and put out this ethnic four-tracker on Dial. "Damn Whistle" is closest to his usual output, leading with a whistle that's not really a whistle at all. It's more like a xylophone with the actual strike cut off, the ringing tail left to remain. The other sounds are shaped around this gentle lead, imparting a soft, early-morning naivete.
On "Brasil," he explores new ground...somewhat. Though there's an ethnic tinge, Flügel's idiosyncratic touch remains. Metallic drum hits and clinking rhythm sticks provide a backdrop for something close to bell chimes, which race up and down the scale uncontrollably. It's the pitch-bending effects which stamp it as a Flügel production though. Increasing in length and distortion the further things advance, they're nothing but cheeky. "Brasil (Reprise)" removes the racous chimes, leaving rhythmic keyboard and foreign-language sussurations to shine through in a less intense manner.
"Bahia Blues Bootcamp" is named after the Brazilian state, and acts just like it. Bright, loud and proud, that is. It's a stange concept for electronic music, but the track is nothing more than a series of solos. First, warm bass jumps up and down, twice interrupted by a wild shower of bleeps. Taking the stage last, a series of steel drums add the Brazilian touch. What's most remarkable is that it all sounds cohesive, despite the short attention span.
Tracklist A1 Brasil
A2 Bahia Blues Bootcamp
B1 Damn Whistle
B2 Brasil (Reprise)