Roman Flügel has long been a cornerstone of electronic music’s underground evolution, his productions weaving intricate patterns that captivate house and techno devotees alike. With the Cooking The Books EP on Phonica Records, out since October 10, 2025, he delivers four tracks that pulse with his signature Frankfurt precision and shadowy allure. Phonica Records, a London-based haven for discerning selectors since 2002, has built its reputation on championing leftfield techno and house cuts that prioritize depth over bombast, nurturing talents who push boundaries without chasing trends.
Flügel kicks things off with the title track Cooking The Books, where skittering percussion races ahead of deep, relentless basslines that build an atmosphere thick with tension. It’s the kind of opener that grips you from the first drop, demanding attention in dimly lit clubs where DJs chase that elusive edge. Sensitive Contacts follows, its off-kilter melody slinking through sparse arrangements that evoke late-night encounters in forgotten warehouses—pure intrigue for those who crave the unconventional in their sets.
The EP flips to Shameless, unleashing the record’s peak moment as layers collide into a dancefloor frenzy, all while holding onto a bleak undercurrent that keeps it grounded in Flügel’s world of subtle menace. This is peak material for DJs hunting tracks that escalate without losing their enigmatic core, perfect for threading through a techno marathon or injecting urgency into a house peak-time slot. Closing out with Flowers, Flügel eases the pressure, letting introspective elements bloom as the intensity fades, offering a reflective breather that lingers long after the needle lifts.
What sets this EP apart is Flügel’s unerring ability to fuse raw energy with meticulous craft, drawing from his decades-spanning discography that includes classics under aliases like Roman IV and Solar. For fans who’ve followed his journey from Playhouse to Dial and beyond, Cooking The Books reaffirms his status as an innovator who thrives in the shadows. Phonica’s choice to platform him here underscores their knack for spotlighting releases that resonate deeply with underground crowds—those in-the-know spinners and listeners who prioritize authenticity over hype.
In an era flooded with forgettable drops, Flügel’s four-track salvo stands tall, brimming with the kind of underground appeal that fuels endless replays and setlist staples. It’s a reminder of why house and techno endure: creators like him who deliver pure, unadulterated drive straight to the floor.
