EDM fans gathered at Madison’s Majestic Theatre Thursday
night to see Colorado-based producer Paper Diamond, rebelling against the cold
via a crowded moshpit coupled with adrenaline. Opening was DJ duo The M Machine,
relative up-and-comers signed to Skrillex’s label — carrying on the pattern of
nepotism in the electronic genre, since Deadmau5 gave Skrillex his start in
2010 with a Mau5trap recording contract.

The show was sold out, though whether the Midwest EDM scene chose
to congregate in Madison that night for Paper Diamond or his opener was unclear
— both are little-known artists, but the M Machine is surely seeing a steady
rise in notoriety for its talents.  

Both members of The M Machine, from San Francisco,
Calif.,
had a fun-loving stage presence even from behind a DJ booth. They were
talkative
and animated, and responded well to members of the crowd. The M
Machine’s music
has a refreshing amount of repetition; it didn’t feel overloaded. The duo
sampled Calvin
Harris, Deadmau5, Aviici and others (though, thankfully, no snippets
came from
the song “Levels” in particular, because I think ArtsEtc. Editor Allegra
might cringe the next time she hears an artist try to sample it).

Some parts were more technical and artful, something not always
fully appreciated by the audience — members of whom were, for these few minutes,
sorely missing the powerful “oomp oomp oomp” dance beats characteristic of electronic
shows (something they likely expected to have a constant presence in this type
of show). While Paper Diamond was calmer than The M Machine, his music couldn’t
exactly be called chill — both artists displayed good use of dynamics and
tempo.

With this show review I am enacting a tradition that should
have transpired long ago: Best outfit of the night. You know, the candy kids
and really into-it rave junkies that decided to go all out for this show. Thursday’s
winner would also be victorious in “most sweaty,” if I had been inclined to
give out such an award. His attire was neon lime green, from his mesh tank top
to fishnet knee-highs to fur-covered calves. Rock on.  

When I talked to both members of the M Machine outside the
stage door they assured me they are “just regular people.” An even more
credible testimonial of their character was given to me from Andy’s godmother
and parents, who were proudly observing from the balcony (they, of course,
avoided the mosh pit below).

The bottom line for this show: I would be entirely willing
to see The M Machine again, especially as a headliner. The two-member group
kept its audience entertained with a flashy array of electronic beats
throughout the set, successfully building the foundation for Paper Diamond, who
blasted a sampling from the third track of Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne as his first opening
notes.