First off, if you're a Kaskade fan already, you're not gonna care much what the reviewers think. So for the fans, this is what Here & Now is: a 2-CD collection of singles, b-sides, and rarities- not an album in the planned-out, cohesive sense. The tracks are separated (i.e. this is not a mix CD) and thus are DJ-friendly, and there's a few alternate mixes of well-known singles. Now if you're not familiar with Kaskade, the artist/DJ produces melancholy deep house that has its own, often intense flavor which make it stand out some from the typically non-threatening Om Records sound.
The collection begins nicely with the subtle beauty of "It's you, it's me," the lyrics refreshingly strong for a house number with lines like "You never know who is waiting for you, you never know what love is coming your way/ But if tonight I look again into your eyes, then it's you, then it's me you love," even the most jaded on the matter of love will be holding out for hope. There's a few jazzy kick drum jams such as "I like the way" and "Move," where the latter conjures up visions of Prince, had he ever ventured into world of house music. An even sadder version Kaskade's masterpiece "Steppin' out" is included, and while it's great, it would've been nice to have had this mix slide into The Beard remix, as to get the listener out of the doldrums. "Gonna make it" is one of the exceptions to the melancholy formula that dominates Kaskade's work on the collection, and is also the standout track with its meaty gospel groove.
Beat-wise there are a few deviations from the producer's deep house drive. There's the explanatory and aptly titled "Samba Love," while a little later on "Maybe" pushes a slow grind R&B while teasing with Drum & Bass loops here and there. "Peace on Earth" is a tad boring musically and lyrically, but the beat is an interesting trippy cousin of broken beat, while "This Rhythm" is a nicer tune built above a flirting 2-step shuffle.
In short, if you're the type of listener that thinks the producer is generally hit or miss, this collection will probably reinforce that opinion. But if you're into everything you've heard Kaskade do or you're looking for a hip, meditative house record, Here & Now will make sate your house soul.
