Daft Punk's Unconvential "Random Access Memories" Reissue: The Drumless Edition

Daft Punk’s Rise & Mystique

In the mid 1990’s the music world was forever changed when the unforgettable French electronic dance music duo, Daft Punk, burst onto the scene with their iconic, futuristic techno sound. For many, including myself, their music became a gateway to a realm of rhythm and melody that seemed to transport you out of the solar system. 

I vividly remember the first time I stumbled upon their stirring and hypnotizing track “Rollin’ & Scratchin’” while traveling in an Uber during the wee hours of the morning, and it was like a lightning bolt had struck my musical soul. I was astounded by what I was hearing. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Back when they made their entrance into the electronic dance music scene, I couldn't fathom the level of adoration they must have garnered from the crowds.

Since that moment I first heard the robots, I've been a concrete fan of their discography–eagerly anticipating some kind of return from them and savoring every track and set they put out together. One of the most intriguing aspects of Daft Punk, beyond their contagious dance sound, was the veil of mystery they draped themselves in. They wore iconic robotic suits, shunned interviews and publicity, and concealed their true identities, giving the impression of mysterious, machinelike kings from distant musical realms, here to share the love.

The Breakup & Post-Split Actions

However, this illustrious era seemed to begin its fade when the duo announced their very unexpected breakup in February 2021. Since their split, Thomas Bangalter (half of Daft Punk) has released his individual orchestral project, “Mythologies” (2023), while Guy de Homem-Christo (the other half of Daft Punk) joined forces with Travis Scott just recently for production work on his new Hip Hop album “Utopia” (2023). 

Not only was the breakup a very sad moment for fans worldwide—it marked a turning point in the way their legacy would be preserved and celebrated. Daft Punk had always been synonymous with innovation, both in their music and their marketing strategy. Yet, their label’s actions post-breakup have left some fans, like me, puzzled and sort of disappointed.

Daft Punk's mystique has always been, for me, a significant part of their charm. The faceless, robotic personas they took on painted a unique picture of their artistic relevance. However, after their split, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more commercial approach to keeping their legacy alive. This approach includes what, in my opinion, are unnecessary reissues of certain material. These reissues, while undoubtedly enjoyable for die-hard fans, run the risk of diluting the mysterious, non-human-like aura that surrounded Daft Punk.

The "Drumless" Reissue of "Random Access Memories”

One of the most recent announcements that have raised eyebrows among Daft Punk enthusiasts is the fully drumless reissue of their Grammy-winning album, "Random Access Memories." This album, released in 2013, not only harvested tons of critical acclaim but also earned the coveted Album of the Year award at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. In a historic upset, it triumphed over notable competitors like Taylor Swift's "Red" project and Kendrick Lamar's legendary "good kid, m.A.A.d city" –a victory that continues to be applauded.

"Random Access Memories" is undoubtedly one of my favorite albums of all time. The album's fusion of electronic and live instrumentation, complicated sampling alongside Daft Punk's unmistakable “non-human” sound, created a dance music juggernaut of an album that was nothing short of trailblazing. However, drums have always been a fundamental element in dance music, and they are essential to what Daft Punk represents.

This is where the idea of a "drumless" reissue of "Random Access Memories" becomes somewhat confusing for a fan like me. Drums have been the quite literal heartbeat of Daft Punk's production and, in essence, the life that drives the energy and rhythm of their tracks. Removing drums from a Daft Punk album sounds counterproductive, like stripping van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” painting of its colors. 

The new release from this upcoming "Drumless" version of "Random Access Memories" is the track "Within (Drumless Edition)" which has been put out ahead of this reissue—a memorable piano composition featuring Chilly Gonzales, an incredible piano player, songwriter, and producer from Canada. It is available for listening now on Apple Music, SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube and more. "Within" was one of the first tracks recorded for the album, and it originally featured Gonzales on piano, a bit of bass, a now-removed drum track, and the robots’ signature vocoder-driven vocals.

The result of this "drumless" version of "Within" is, of course, beautiful. No drums on the song transforms it into a gorgeous love ballad, allowing the emotional piano and vocals to shine through well. It's a different take on the track—but it works well for "Within.” However, my skepticism remains—I just keep wondering about the effect of the drum-free treatment on the rest of the album.

On November 9, 2023, a drumless edition of “Motherboard,” the tenth track from Random Access Memories, was also released ahead of the album's full re-release. Known for its impressive drums, speed, and technicality, “Motherboard” takes listeners through a symphony of sound and orchestration. The drumless version shifts the focus to what’s going on in the back—emphasizing strings and creating a softer and ambient atmosphere. 

While the original version is energetic and jazzy, the drumless rendition transforms it into an orchestral, relaxing tune reminiscent of a lounge or café maybe in outer space. The lack of drums gives it a cinematic quality—making it feel like a soundtrack for a moment of realization for the main character. 

Despite preferring the original with drums, the drumless version is noteworthy for its unique sonic environment, offering an alternative perspective on the track's mood and purpose. You can listen to “Motherboard (Drumless Edition)” on your preferred music streaming platform.

"Random Access Memories" is packed with energetic tracks like “Get Lucky,” "Lose Yourself to Dance," and "Contact," where percussion plays a big role in driving the rhythm and energy of the songs. These tracks are meant to make you dance to “lose yourself” in the beats—to experience an almost cosmic groove. The idea of these tracks being released "drumless" raises solid concerns about how they will sound and whether they can capture the same magic and joy that the original versions did. Will it create a new kind of magic?

Anticipation & the Unfolding Legacy of Daft Punk

Daft Punk's announcement of a "drumless" reissue of "Random Access Memories" has certainly piqued the interest of fans like me and left us eager to hear the results. It is possible that the lack of drums for this album could transform the musical experience, creating new and emotionally charged versions of its content—but, for an album that relies so heavily on rhythm and dance-inducing beats, the approach seems somewhat risky in my eyes.

While “Within” has successfully adapted to the “drumless” treatment, “Motherboard” has performed adequately. However, the jury is still out on how the remaining tracks will fare. Regardless of the outcome, this release is still happening—and is undoubtedly adding another layer to the enigma that is Daft Punk and their ever evolving legacy. The album, re-released without any drums, is set to debut on November 17. Whether the "drumless" reissue of "Random Access Memories" enhances or diminishes the magic of the original remains to be seen, but it's yet another testament to the undying influence of these robots in the world of music.