Concert review: Major Lazer threw a party disguised as a concert at House of Blues

by Brenna Rushing

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Alongside the hypnotic music, the trio used every trick up their sleeve to make the concert feel more like a one-off rave.

DALLAS — The typical rock 'n' roll venue that is House of Blues shifted into an all-out dance riot similar to an MTV Spring Break special on Monday night. Young fans showed their techno spirit in neon belly shirts, hot shorts, and glitter for Major Lazer, a group of DJs who performed their reggae-influenced styles and remixes for a young crowd. The dance party made the start of the work week feel more like a weekend kickoff.

After New York-based rapper Mykki Blanco opened the evening, Toronto’s Dragonette stepped out with their mix of catchy choruses and pop hooks that stuck in our head. Singer Martina Sorbara was front and center, moving to the beat in tiny skinny pants, trying to kick-start the impending party. There’s an adorable break in her voice that helps humanize their structured electronic style, maintaining the focus on her performance over the frequent melodies or synth effects.

Next came Major Lazer, a band who has managed to bottle the carefree energy of dubstep while adding its own mellow, reggaeton influences. The trio is comprised of Jillionaire, Walshy Fire, and famed producer Diplo.

The moment the curtain opened, the energy level spiked, sparking an electric current that shot through the pit. The three DJs rotated around a massive booth made of spray-painted speakers fronted by two backup dancers. Although Diplo is the mastermind behind the madness, he shared the stage with his partners to make the performance feel more like a small-scale rave instead of a concert. Tracks filled with thumping beats and waves of synth effects reverberated through the room, painting the scene for Diplo’s antics. Early on, he made his way atop the crowd in two different forms: inside a plastic bubble and through a blind leap, headfirst. There’s no denying they know how to party, but the eccentric atmosphere seemed to dominate the music instead of support it.

The shenanigans continued with a break in the music for a Dallas version of the "Harlem Shake." The crowd reenacted the Harlem Shake diligently, standing still and calm then exploding into a giant fit of dancing. Shirts flew off of guys and girls when Diplo commanded it, confirming this had to be a spring break special after all.

The blockbuster single “Pon De Floor” and beachy Bahama flow of “Get Free” came near the end of the show, which went well past midnight. If you’re seeking a party disguised as a concert where anything goes, let Major Lazer be your guide.

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