Epilogue was a strange video. The painful stroll from Veridis Quo’s music video, Thomas’ explosion leading to the years through which Daft Punk flourished, and Manuel walking into the horizon was an instant crush to many across the world. The ecstatic memories of their iconic music, and the bittersweet thought of never having the chance to wait for their new albums again, is heart-breaking. Pioneers in the French house and dance music scene, Daft Punk immediately grabbed their audience’s attention with gorgeous harmonies and simple yet catchy riffs. Their ability to play with a riff and create something fun and engaging is awe-inspiring. And what better way to bid them farewell than to take a trip down memory lane!
Human After All, the third album from the French house duo, released in 2001, brought an (arguably) much fresher sound to their new record. By taking the grunge to a hundred, they used minimalistic songwriting, creative grooves, and various guitar, electronic and drum loops and tones, giving it an incredibly signature feel. The album had mixed reviews considering the distinct, new style they had, but this doesn’t deny its incredible success. It gained a spot on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums of the year, peaking at 98 on the Billboard 200. The album changed the way electronic writers took to writing music, seeing a rise in the grungy tones that predominated the 2000’s. Was this the album that brought that change? Most likely.
Tron Legacy is one of the most memorable and easily recognisable soundtracks to have ever been written. Nothing less is expected from Daft Punk, the maestros of electronic music. The whole soundtrack is the perfect atmosphere with Daft Punk’s style in subtle layers through it. The details in production are remarkable, creating an air fit for sci-fi. With clean synths, orchestral arrangements and arpeggios that give it a futuristic yet grounded sound, the main melody in itself is simple but distinct. Listening to the soundtrack alone, one can imagine going along The Grid on light cycle discs, towards the portal that connects worlds, and the feeling is glorious.
Random Access Memories is an album that will go down in history. Every track traverses different instruments, different session artists, and different production details that can only be heard and never described. The most remarkable thing about this album is how well Daft Punk incorporated their electronic techniques and minimalistic spoofs from “Human After All” and took it up a notch. The rest of the world agreed when the album topped the US Billboard 200 charts, selling 339,000 copies in the first week. It was certified a platinum record by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and topped the charts in 20 other countries. The album also won several Grammys in 2014, in four categories. The album was nothing short of a masterpiece, with every song paced, mastered and conceptualised perfectly.
These are a few highlights of the illustrious career the duo has found in the 28 years of their musical success. There is so much more to the duo, but these three events top the charts and bring fond memories of the legacy they are leaving behind, inspiring many to create electronic music, including artists like Skrillex and Deadmau5. The world will sorely miss and always remember the silver and gold robot helmets that enthralled all who had the chance to hear their music, and their songs will always be in our hearts.
Chords & Co. 