Phase II (Steve Poindexter)

• acid-house
• Steve Poindexter

In the early 90s, the rapidly evolving world of electronic music saw the rise of many iconic artists and records that would go on to define the era. One such artist was Steve Poindexter, a Chicago native whose unique sound and approach to music creation made waves in the scene. Today, we take a retrospective look at one of his seminal releases, “Phase II,” which still holds a special place in the hearts of electronic music aficionados.

Hailing from a rich musical lineage, Poindexter’s father drummed for the legendary Duke Ellington, and his mother sang with the iconic Mahalia Jackson. These influences were deeply ingrained in Poindexter’s musical DNA, and his early exposure to music undoubtedly set the stage for his future as a DJ and producer. Starting his DJ career at just 10 years old, Poindexter played at parties at Mendel High School, forging his own path while carrying the weight of his family’s musical legacy.

In September 1991, Poindexter released “Phase II” on the Musique subsidiary of Warehouse Records, a label that would go on to support many other influential artists of the time. This three-track EP showcased Poindexter’s innovative approach to electronic music production, blending elements of house, techno, and acid into a seamless, hypnotic sound that would come to define his career.

The opening track, “Body Heat,” is a nine-minute opus that brings listeners on a sonic journey through pulsating rhythms, driving percussion, and hypnotic vocal samples. It’s like stepping into a steamy, otherworldly club, where the relentless beat pulls you in and refuses to let go. The track’s innovative use of samples and its unique blend of house and techno elements marked a departure from the more traditional sounds of the time. Poindexter was clearly ahead of his time, pushing boundaries and paving the way for a new generation of electronic music producers.

Following the intensity of “Body Heat,” “Whiplash” offers a slightly different flavor. Clocking in at just over six minutes, the track’s relentless, pounding rhythm is punctuated by razor-sharp synths that cut through the mix like a hot knife through butter. The track’s abrasive, industrial-inspired soundscape serves as a testament to the darker, more experimental side of Poindexter’s work.

Closing out the EP is the original uncut version of “Short Circuit,” an eight-minute, 41-second exploration of the more abstract and cerebral side of Poindexter’s production style. The track’s relentless, chugging groove is like a runaway train, constantly propelling forward while maintaining a sense of chaos and unpredictability. The use of distorted, warped vocal samples adds an eerie, unsettling quality to the track, making it clear that Poindexter was never one to shy away from taking risks and pushing the envelope in his work.

“Phase II” is a seminal release in Poindexter’s discography, showcasing his ability to fuse various electronic music genres into a singular, cohesive sound. The EP’s blend of house, techno, and acid elements was a testament to Poindexter’s creative prowess and his ability to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing musical landscape.

The unique structure, rhythm, and melody of the tracks on “Phase II” have undoubtedly left their mark on countless artists who followed in Poindexter’s footsteps. It’s not hard to hear the echoes of his influence in the works of electronic music pioneers such as Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, and Derrick May, who have all contributed to the evolution and growth of the genre.

The EP’s theme, while open to interpretation, could be seen as a representation of the relentless, ever-evolving nature of electronic music itself. The driving rhythms and hypnotic melodies serve as a metaphor for the genre’s constant push forward, exploring new sonic territories and breaking down barriers between styles. As “Phase II” progresses from the frenetic energy of “Body Heat” to the more experimental and abstract sounds of “Whiplash” and “Short Circuit,” it mirrors the journey of electronic music as a whole. The record’s unrelenting, innovative spirit reflects the ethos of the era, while also serving as a harbinger of the exciting developments that were yet to come.

The influence of Poindexter’s musical background is evident in the tracks on “Phase II,” with elements of jazz, gospel, and blues subtly woven into the fabric of the EP. The rhythmic sensibilities of his father’s drumming with Duke Ellington and the soulful vocal stylings of his mother’s work with Mahalia Jackson can be felt in the intricate percussion patterns and hypnotic vocal samples that define the record. It’s like a carefully crafted tapestry, with each thread representing a different aspect of Poindexter’s rich musical heritage.

When examining the legacy of “Phase II,” it’s essential to recognize the impact it had on the burgeoning electronic music scene in the early 90s. The record’s innovative blending of genres and its bold, experimental approach to production helped to lay the groundwork for the countless artists and releases that would follow in its wake. From today’s perspective, it’s clear that “Phase II” remains a crucial touchstone in the history of electronic music, standing as a testament to Poindexter’s unique vision and talent as a producer.

In conclusion, Steve Poindexter’s “Phase II” is a seminal record that encapsulates the spirit of electronic music’s early years, blending genres and pushing boundaries in a way that few others were doing at the time. The unique structure, rhythm, and melody of the tracks serve as a reflection of the genre’s ever-evolving nature, while the record’s innovative production techniques and experimental approach laid the groundwork for the future of electronic music. With its lasting influence on countless artists and releases, “Phase II” is not only a standout moment in Poindexter’s discography but also a defining moment in the history of electronic music.

As we listen to “Phase II” from today’s perspective, it’s impossible not to appreciate the timeless quality of the record and the indelible mark it has left on the genre. Like a fine wine that only gets better with age, Poindexter’s “Phase II” has proven its staying power, continuing to captivate and inspire new generations of electronic music lovers more than three decades after its initial release.