At long last, Kaskade has returned with a new album, this time swapping his ever popular redux series with undux instead. The dichotomy here is extremely noticeable, with his Redux album focusing on more of those House bangers. While undux instead explores Kaskade’s more personal side. It’s an emotionally introspective album, and one with which you can tell is reflective of of Kaskade’s own personal life as of late. Don’t let those personal themes fool you though, this album still has quite the bangers within it. Right off the bat, “Heart Worth Breaking” sounds quite the opposite from what it’s title suggests. Cop Kid’s vocals fit well with the fast indie-sounding beats. It’s a nice breath of fresh air from Kaskade, and a great way to start an album that gets ever so deep
“Where’s My Wedge” with Lissa Lohner keeps up that fast-paced House beat feeling. The piano melody tucked inside the track with Lissa’s heavenly voice pair quite well. As covered in a past review, “DNCR” still remains my absolute favorite from the album. “What you need, I can be the answer…” Those lyrics right there prove my point. Because this track IS my answer to the House music I’ve been craving all year. This track is made for every dance floor, every shuffler and every fan of House. It’s a song that makes you forget everything in exchange for dancing it all away without a care in the world.
“Started Over” with Cayson Renshaw seems to evoke those feelings of heartbreak, which brings to mind Kaskade’s personal life. This album of course echoes themes of his own heartbreak, loss, his divorce and more. One can only hope Kaskade has been healing in the best way possible, but it’s more than appreciated to have those thoughts and feelings conveyed so brilliantly in an album such as this. “Imprint” with Courtney Storm also echoes those same sentiments. It’s another peaceful yet introspective track. “Touch” featuring MKLA gives off a nice R&B feel with an almost Lounge-like yet upbeat House groove. “Obvious” has a more somber tone, but delivers with it’s emotionally charged vocals and grandiose beat. It’s definitely another notable top track of the album.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” has got to be my 2nd favorite from undux, as the lyrics are more than relatable. As sad a song as it is, it’s got an immense amount of truth to anyone who’s been in a situation where you feel deeply in love with someone whom you know will never love you back. The beat and electronic melody add such a melancholic vibe in just the right way. Kaskade does a House-worthy coverversion of “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin. With that classic groove we’re all used to hearing. “Like That” with Winn Winn is a surprising track, as it sounds more experimental with some dnb and breakbeat sounds. It’s an unexpected gem, but a welcome one nonethelees.
Unfortunately, the album fizzles out with the last few tracks. And as personal as they are, it would’ve been more appreciated had undux ended on a lighter more bombastic note. Suffice it to say, undux will hit you in both the worst and best of ways. It’s not just an album that’s meant to make Kaskade reflect on his own personal life, it’s an album that can do the very same for you. All by shuffling away your troubles every step of the way.
Final Rating: 8
