Major Lazer, Academy, Glasgow, review: If only the show’s verve was matched by its inclusivity

It was a hell of a party, with a lightshow, tickertape falls and streamer cannons

It feels strange in 2015 to be watching a group who feel the need for eye candy. Who feel the need, specifically, for four women in tight shorts vigorously formation twerking in the direction of the audience while high screens behind them blaze with cartoonish images from the adventures of the titular Major Lazer character. All the while the three men behind the music – founder Diplo and his wingmen Jillionaire and Walshy Fire – dance and mooch atop the screens and around the stage.

For the many late-teens lads with their tops off spilling out into the cold October night, all of the above probably made it one of the most inspiring experiences of their life. For everyone else it was still a hell of a party, with a lightshow, tickertape falls and streamer cannons to match the group’s increased profile since the single ‘Lean On’ finally broke them big after six years. That track, like the bootie bass-powered ‘Bubble Butt’ and good-time pop anthem ‘Powerful’, was enhanced by a churning bass which harked back to their earlier dub style, and there were hints of Dr Dre here and House of Pain there, creating a real house party vibe. If only we could say the show’s verve was matched by its inclusivity.