“ While still teenagers, the group formed and dissolved the rock trio Darlin’ with Laurent Brancowitz (who would go on to be a member of light jammers Phoenix), but not before a dismissive review in Melody Maker called them “a bunch of daft punks.” After hearing My Bloody Valentine’s “Soon,” the moody British band’s own dalliance with dance music elements, Bangalter and de Homem-Christo began experimenting with drum machines and beat boxes in their bedrooms. By the time they were barely into their 20s, their innovative, but ultimately pop, output as Daft Punk was already inspiring rock kids to explore the same alternatives they had. ”

Fader story on Daft Punk