A proper slice of early 90s underground house history returns as Infra-Red’s cult 1991 release …The Second Phase… gets a welcome reissue.
Originally landing on Ron Allen and Hayden Andre’s revered Strobe Records imprint, the EP captures that golden transitional period where deep house, garage and rave influences all collided together inside dark basement clubs and smoke-filled dancefloors.
Opening track ‘Love Honey’ immediately locks into a classic Chicago-inspired groove. Warm bass lines roll beneath crisp drums while shimmering synth melodies and airy chords give the track that unmistakable soulful 90s feel. The male vocal carries an authentic old school soulfulness throughout too, sounding like something lifted straight from a late-night warehouse tape or forgotten US garage classic.
‘The Verge’ shifts the mood slightly into more direct club territory. Tough kicks, rubbery low-end grooves and haunting synth textures combine into something moodier and more driving. There is a raw simplicity to the production that works beautifully, allowing the groove and atmosphere to do all the heavy lifting without ever feeling overcrowded.
The standout moment though is undoubtedly ‘When Luvs The Feelin’. Rhythmic congas, rolling snares, female vocal ad-libs and glowing sax-like synth leads all intertwine around thick bulbous bass lines to create a track dripping in warmth and dancefloor soul. It perfectly captures that early 90s crossover where house music still carried disco, jazz and garage influences while beginning to edge towards deeper underground club territory.
What makes …The Second Phase… still resonate over three decades later is its honesty. These tracks were built for dancers rather than algorithms. The grooves breathe naturally, the drums feel alive and every element serves the atmosphere rather than chasing instant hooks.
A timeless reissue that reminds you just how rich and musically adventurous early 90s underground house music could be.
Release Date: 26 June 2026, pre order here.