Daft Punk: No Homework for You

Finally… a new Daft Punk album! It’s been 8 years since the release of “Human After All”, an album that received just as much criticism as it did praise for the generous use of loops and samples. But the new album, “Random Access Memories”, isn’t your typical Daft Punk release. Then again, what is?

If you’re looking for the same electro-club-bangin’ kicks and filters as their first album, “Homework”, look elsewhere. “Random Access Memories” is definitely not electro, but rather has a late 70’s disco/neo-soul vibe to it. In a way, it serves as a historical document of EDM’s move from electronic roots performers like disco legend Gorgio on the track “Gorgio by Moroder”, up to contemporary guest vocals by Pharrell on the single “Get Lucky”.

Keep in mind that it’s not so much a departure from what Daft Punk is as much as a rediscovery and expansion of what Daft Punk has been. The duo is in a constant state of evolution that started long before they were Daft Punk. They began playing, along with Laurent Brancowitz of Phoenix fame, as a rock band and eventually progressed into acid house and electro, then came a sort of pop house, and of course the Tron:Legacy Soundtrack. The new album melds all of these together with live instrumentation, vocal aspects and beat structures from dance provoking house music, and quality sound production. In short, it’s the whole package.

Even after seeing the 15 second ad drops on SNL and getting the pre-relase “Get Lucky” single downloads, the album was not what I expected. However, it’s refreshing to see that artistic freedom still exists and that Daft Punk is not a one-trick drum-programming pony. If you’re into the groups Jamiroquai or Body Language, you’re going to love it. If not, give it a listen anyway and keep an ear out for the remixes, there will be plenty.

More info at DAFTPUNK.COM