Machine Girl

Machine Girl Live at O2 Forum Kentish Town, London

About the Event

Prepare for an electrifying night as the avant-garde electronic powerhouse, Machine Girl, descends upon London for an unforgettable performance at the iconic O2 Forum Kentish Town on Tuesday, 27th January 2026. This isn’t just another gig; it’s a sonic assault, a cathartic explosion of digital chaos and raw energy that promises to leave the audience breathless and exhilarated. Machine Girl’s live shows are renowned for their relentless intensity, a genre-bending odyssey that defies easy categorization and pushes the boundaries of what electronic music can achieve. Witnessing them live is an immersive experience, a journey into the heart of a soundscape that is both brutal and beautiful, familiar yet utterly alien. If you crave music that challenges, invigorates, and leaves a lasting imprint, this is an event you absolutely cannot miss.

About Machine Girl

Hailing from the vibrant and often experimental electronic music scene, Machine Girl, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Matt Stephenson, has carved out a unique and formidable niche since emerging in the early 2010s. Their sound is an audacious and exhilarating fusion, drawing heavily from breakcore, drum and bass, digital hardcore, and noise music, all filtered through a distinctively punk-rock attitude and an almost delirious sense of digital abandon. Stephenson’s approach is maximalist; his tracks are dense, chaotic, and packed with frenetic energy, often juxtaposing distorted vocals and aggressive synthesiser lines with surprisingly melodic hooks.

Machine Girl’s breakthrough came with the release of their critically acclaimed 2015 album, WLFGRL. This record, a torrent of hyperactive beats and visceral sonic textures, cemented their reputation as purveyors of extreme electronic sounds, attracting a fervent underground following. Subsequent releases like Gemini (2017) and U-Void Synthesizer (2020) have only expanded their sonic palette, incorporating elements of industrial, techno, and even hints of traditional songwriting structures, whilst never sacrificing their signature intensity. Notable tracks that have become anthems for their dedicated fanbase include the frantic and instantly recognisable “Ghost” from WLFGRL, the industrial-tinged intensity of “Fun-Thug” from U-Void Synthesizer, and the surprisingly anthemic, yet still utterly explosive, “Scroll Of The Apocalypse.” Machine Girl’s influence can be felt across a generation of electronic artists pushing sonic boundaries, and their live performances are the ultimate testament to their electrifying artistry.

Venue Information

The O2 Forum Kentish Town is a legendary London venue, steeped in musical history and renowned for its superb acoustics and intimate yet grand atmosphere. Located in the heart of Kentish Town, it has played host to countless iconic artists across a wide spectrum of genres, providing a consistently excellent experience for both performers and audiences. Its distinctive architecture and commitment to presenting diverse musical talent make it the perfect setting for the high-octane performance Machine Girl is set to deliver. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an utterly immersive and exhilarating sonic onslaught. A Machine Girl live set is far from a passive listening experience; it’s a full-body immersion into a hyper-kinetic soundscape. Expect the unexpected as Stephenson unleashes a torrent of blistering breakbeats, aggressive synth stabs, and his signature, often distorted, vocal delivery. The setlist is a carefully curated journey through their discography, veering from the relentless chaos of WLFGRL tracks like “Ghost” and “Knees To The Curve” to the more industrial and experimental textures found on U-Void Synthesizer, with potential explorations into newer material.

Stephenson’s performance style is as captivating as his music. He’s a whirlwind of energy on stage, often hunched over his equipment, furiously manipulating his synthesizers and drum machines, his presence radiating an almost primal urgency. Expect a visually striking show, with dynamic lighting designed to complement the intensity of the music, creating a pulsating, almost overwhelming sensory experience. While a precise setlist is impossible to predict, you can be assured of a performance that will push your limits and leave you feeling utterly invigorated. The duration of a Machine Girl set typically ranges from 75 to 90 minutes, a non-stop barrage of sonic innovation that leaves no room for respite.

FAQs

Q1: What is Machine Girl’s typical musical style?

Machine Girl is known for their unique and highly energetic fusion of electronic music genres. Their sound is a potent blend of breakcore, drum and bass, digital hardcore, industrial, and noise music, all delivered with a punk-rock sensibility and a significant dose of digital chaos. It’s often described as hyperactive, frenetic, and genre-defying.

Q2: Are Machine Girl’s live shows suitable for everyone?

Machine Girl’s performances are intensely loud and energetically delivered. They feature strobe lighting and a high level of sonic intensity. Attendees should be prepared for a demanding and immersive experience. If you are sensitive to loud noises or flashing lights, it’s advisable to consider this before purchasing tickets.

Q3: What kind of energy can I expect from a Machine Girl live set?

Expect an incredibly high-energy and cathartic performance. Machine Girl’s live shows are known for their relentless pace, aggressive sound, and the sheer raw power of Matt Stephenson’s delivery. It’s a visceral experience that aims to engage the audience on a physical and emotional level.

Q4: Will Machine Girl play songs from their older albums like WLFGRL?

Yes, it is highly probable that Machine Girl will incorporate fan favourites from their seminal albums, including WLFGRL, into their setlist. Tracks like “Ghost” and “Knees To The Curve” are often staples of their live shows and are eagerly anticipated by their dedicated fanbase.

Q5: Is there a specific age restriction for Machine Girl events at O2 Forum Kentish Town?

As the O2 Forum Kentish Town is a licensed venue, there are typically age restrictions in place for live music events. For most concerts, attendees must be 14 years or older, with those under 16 requiring adult supervision. Please check the specific event details on the ticketing platform or the venue’s website for the most accurate age policy for this particular date.

Q6: How long does a typical Machine Girl set last?

A Machine Girl live set usually lasts between 75 to 90 minutes. This duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of their vast sonic landscape, packed with constant sonic innovation and high-octane performance without significant breaks.