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Sakanaction put on my favorite show of Fuji Rock 2012
This year’s Fuji Rock Festival was also my first trip out to Naeba ever, so I had a lot to take in over the three days. It could be at times overwhelming, but ultimately I’ve fashioned a top-five list out of my experience.
1. Sakanaction – A thrilling set mixing electronic dance sounds with traditional rock structures, all courtesy of one of the best bands in Japan today. What really pushed this one over the top for me, though, was the crowd – they were totally into it from the get-go, and the atmosphere was electric all the way until the triumphant closer “Rookie.” Read my original review here.
2. Radiohead – The Stone Roses and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds cruised on nostalgia, most people I talked to saying how “great” it was to see the prior group after so many years broken up without offering much comment on the music while everyone I talked to about the latter just said “they played some Oasis songs, cool!” Radiohead played some hits too – “Paranoid Android” as closer, don’t mind if I do – but the bulk of their headlining set focused on skittery cuts from last year’s The King Of Limbs, and they even worked in a new song that could be released on London’s Hyperdub label. Radiohead remain focused on the future, and that was inspiring to hear Sunday night. Read Elliott’s review here.
3. Cloud Nothings – Best set to shout along to choruses all weekend long. Also, solid mosh-pit action. Read my review here.
4. The Beauty – Tokyo outfit The Beauty played their first live show ever at Fuji Rock and everything went well. Part of the reason this mid-day set stands out was the scenery – they played at the Day Dreaming stage, which offered gorgeous views of the mountains, a great visual compliment to the group’s dreamy music. Read my review here.
5. Galactic – A fun way to start Sunday. To quote Corey Henry, “fuck yeah.” Read my review here.
Photo by 古川喜隆, see more photos here.
