Daft Punk: Random Access Memories

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Words By J-man

The hype surrounding the release of Daft Punk's fourth album, Random Access Memories, has overtaken social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Very rarely does an album draw such a wide range of criticism and appreciation, so with no other choice, I hit play. A large build up resolves to a Nu-Disco dance party with talkbox at the forefront on "Give Life Back To Music." The immediate unexpected Nu-Disco sound will intrigue many and turn off many more. Those who expected electronic dance music are instead treated to actual instruments, instrumentation and an output that sounds more like baby-making music from the 70's. Tracks like "The Game of Love" bring the album to an almost swaying stand still, but keep the listener holding on to catchy lyrical melodies and sonic range. "Giorgio By Moroder" offers listeners verbal insight into the life of upcoming DJs before dropping into basic beats that could easily overtake the critical aspect of the mind with guilty pleasure style grooves. Conceptually, the album seems all over the place as a grand piano enters the picture on "Within'," and slows the album to a staggering near crawl. "Instant Crush" may offer the most catchy riffs off of the album. As I drive in my car, lay in my bed, or walk to the store, I hear the chorus of "Instant Crawl" in my head giving my body a uncontrollable sway.



"Lose Yourself to Dance" triggers funky guitar chops, some slap bass and high register vocals that open up to clap track. The song wreaks of vintage swagger and synth wank. "Touch" provides an ambient aspect that the album was missing before opening up into an all out disco full of digital foreplay that is sure switch up your two-step. "Get Lucky" returns to a straight-forward 4/4 vibe that should drop your tenies to floor on a regular beat and increase your odds of getting laid at a dance-party ten fold. "Beyond" welcomes yet another change of pace, this time with the backing of an orchestra before returning to the albums signature beat. The instrumental "Motherboard" scrambles the listener's brain with full on sonic intercourse that may leave folks a bit uncomfortable and unable to move. "Fragments of Time" may be the most popular sounding track on the album, though it still offers interesting layers and effects. The build to the close of the album hits with "Doin' it Right." The tracks space may be the most interesting aspect of the composition, leaving room for the vocals to clash with the digital chorus. The album's closing track, "Contact" features vintage audio eluding to life beyond what we know on our rotating rock. The music builds and builds until it reaches a boiling point of instrumental layers, sonic depth and intense energy.

Random Access Memories is a masterpiece of sorts, offering a mind-blowing range of musical ideas from a band who in the past has been limited by their use of digital technology. The songs play over and over in my head, coming and going with stunning regularity. Daft Punk has done a fantastic job of stepping outside of their comfort zone to challenge themselves and to create something altogether different and incredible. Stop what you're doing and treat yourself to this captivating collection of sound. It's ok to dance, nobody is looking...

www.randomaccessmemories.com

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