Infinity Within (2023 Repress) [Vinyl]

2023 repress. "After the smash success of Deee-Lite's debut record World Clique, and their now-iconic dance club hit 'Groove Is In The Heart', anticipation was high for a follow-up from the New York-based dance music trio of vocalist Miss Lady Kier, and producers DJ Towa Tei and Super DJ Dmitri. For their sophomore record Infinity Within, Deee-Lite opted to venture in a different direction of sorts. The club-embracing disco-funk sounds and groovy vibes of World Clique were ever-present, but while that record contained themes of global togetherness, Infinity Within took a more socially aware route, with politically charged themes of environmentalism, (to show their bona fide-se, Infinity Within was one of the first titles to be issued in an ecologically friendly eco-pak) sexual liberation, voting rights, and critique of the judicial system. Taking major inspiration from the ancient Chinese divination text I Ching, Miss Lady Kier would later explain that Infinity Within was a natural progression for the group, not a departure. Elaborating in an interview with Reflex Magazine, she remarked: 'The reason why we titled this new album Infinity Within -- to balance out World Clique's idea of looking outward and thinking about unity -- is if you look outward, you should look inward to see what you're doing as an individual. Because people seem to be so passive -- I'd like to see people turn their TV sets off and start protesting.' Infinity Within was not the overwhelming commercial success that World Clique was, but its tracks shined on the Billboard Dance Club charts, with its lead single 'Runaway' reaching #1 on the chart, bolstered by a Gus Van Sant-directed music video. The record also featured a slew of top-tier collaborators, including Parliament veterans Bernie Worrell, Maceo Parker and Bootsy Collins (Returning from their appearances on World Clique) as well as Bootsy's brother Catfish Collins, legendary house DJ Statoshi Tomiie, and rap verses from Michael Franti, Jamal-Ski, and a pre-'Tennessee' Arrested Development. Even though critical reaction at the time was cooler than their debut, over the years Infinity Within has been considered an underrated gem of '90s dance, a classic of early club and house music, and a remarkable follow-up for Deee-Lite."