Maas Veers From Usual DJ Set

Timo Maas has parlayed his status as the fastest-rising electronic act over the last two years into a successful DJ career, but his reputation was made in the production world, starting with his 1999 remix of Azzido Da Bass’ “Dooms Night.” It was definitely that side of Maas that was on display during his unique DJ experience Wednesday at the Mayan Theatre.

Maas, who released his debut album of original material, “Loud,” earlier this year, veered more to a traditional concert than a DJ set, even incorporating a live vocalist for the dub-laden “Shifter,” from “Loud.” Though the use of a singer provided the most obvious variation from the traditional DJ set, it was hardly the most intriguing aspect of Maas’ performance.

Starting off with a languid techno beat, Maas worked the crowd up into a typical club state at a pace so methodical that one wasn’t even aware the mood had changed until after the fact. It was an interesting, bold approach, and it left one always wondering what Maas would do next. But it didn’t always make for a great DJ set.

That ultimately doesn’t matter, though. While Maas has been compared with the likes of fellow German Paul Van Dyk, Moby would be a more accurate comparison. Like his American predecessor, Maas may be comfortable behind the deck, but his ambition and talent seem likely to make his forays into DJing a temporary stop on the way to his career as one of the scene’s most interesting artists.