Two of the most innovative French DJs and composers are laying out their new artist album upon us; the duo of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Christo having been the shaping force in the French house music scene since the early nineties. Their collaborations with greats such as Bob Sinclar, DJ Gregory, DJ Falcon, Romanthony, and Dimitri from Paris always fly off the record store shelves and their artist albums consistently push the envelope. This album is no different than the previous. The ten totally original, rock-influenced tracks will have veterans in awe as well as new Daft Punk listeners wondering "Where did they come from and why have I not been listening to them for years?"
The title track starts this album off. "Human After All" is a robot-infused rock song with some crankin' guitar chords and some funky and filtered synth sounds that are incredible. Next up the pair give up "The Prime Time of Your Life."
The theme of distorted guitars and crazy synth sounds and wild vocals continues, but the pair churns out an almost bouncy beat and then proceeds to crank up the temp to a blazing 200 plus bpm at the ends of the song, like the end of a rock song. Genius. Next up is the first release from the album, "Robot Rock." The blazing guitar is blended with vocoded vocals that proclaim "Robot Rock" throughout the song. Next in line is "Steam Machine," though, surprisingly there are no full guitar riffs in this track, just electro-tinged house music. The beats are hard and raw with the word "Steam" whispered like a steam whistle for the vocals. It is so unique that I had to listen to it four times. It is amazing.
The group slows down the pace and throws out a soft and bubbly song at the midpoint of the disc. "Make Love" has soft piano along with a cheesy snare that marries the acoustic guitar wonderfully. The vocals are masked in the song, but come through just loud enough to make out the word "love." The song is the total opposite from the rest of the songs on the disc. The next song takes a retro approach at the "Robot Rock" theme.
"The Brainwasher" is a repetitive conglomerate of guitars and drums that rival any rock-and-roll song. Listening to this song too much will put you at the will of Daft Punk, so I had to be very careful not to be pulled into their grasp. After a brief interlude, it's onto the truest song title that's been released in a long time. "Television Rules the Nation" rocks out and explains why this is true, through the power of song. Coming up near the end is one of the most fun tracks on this shiny silver disc. "Technologic" has some old school drum sounds along with vocals of a robotic youth who proceeds to show the world why he is "TECHNOlogic." Rounding it out is the song "Emotion." This song is a little slower and more laid back than the previous nine but it sticks with the same electro robotic guitar rock house sound. It takes you out in a deep journey of emotion.
Human After All is the future of house music. With the electro elements and retro movement that has set in dance music today, Daft Punk has stepped to the edge once again.
