Photo by Graham Tucker

Going into a Major Lazer show just over a week ago, I wasn't sure what to expect: it was an event put on by LA's HARD crew featuring a variety of other acts including French electro giants Boys Noize, and it was at Terminal 5, a massive venue in Midtown Manhattan. As I chilled out and watched the opening DJs, I started to worry just a bit: 19 year old kids in neon clothing, Jersey Shore boys wearing pacifiers, and glowsticks aplenty. Regardless, I wasn't going to fault any of them for wanting to have a good time and already pack the house for the openers.

Photo by Graham Tucker

As I waited for Major Lazer, I could sense the excitement and anticipation building: before gang got brought out, the crowd went wild for Buraka Som Sistema. While I was a little bummed that they didn't play a proper set, I was nothing short of astounded that they could work so well as hypemen, building the dancefloor into a frenzy. As I finally caught a quick glimpse of one half of Major Lazer, Diplo, off stage, I left my photographer to wander the venue while I hopped into the pit just to prove I could survive the next hour of insane dancing.

Photo by Graham Tucker

I will say this: Major Lazer delivered in every way, showcasing the kind of energy that made it seem like they'd all chugged twenty Red Bulls before coming out. While I was bummed that Diplo's other half, Switch, didn't make it out for the set, the rest of the crew more than made up for it. After causing a stir with some legendary SXSW performances last month, Major Lazer hype man Skerrit Bwoy showed why people won't stop talking about him. From the second he hopped on stage with two girls dressed in Chinese dragon costumes, the dude was fiery ball of energy.

As the show progressed and he spouted insane phrases while Diplo played some dancefloor-enhanced Major Lazer cuts, Skerrit Bwoy slowly got rid of his clothing until he was down to just a one-piece wet suit. Within two songs, the entire crowd became nothing more than a jumping pile of sweat, not letting up for even a second throughout.

While I though things would peak as the crowd reached a fever pit during the group's best-known hit, "Pon de Floor," Diplo had a trick up his sleeve, dropping Ace of Base's "The Sign" shortly thereafter. Boy, that got people hopping in a way I didn't think was possible, as Skerrit Bwoy pulled up at least a dozen girls on stage, all of whom were willing to dance with the man. By the time the music finally ceased, I could barely stand after all the dancing, but I had a goofy smile on my face as I made my way out the door, knowing I'd had the kind of fun Diplo and company strive for with every performance. The best part? There were some seriously major lasers going the whole time.

Photo by Graham Tucker

-- Scott Tomford