PETROLZ

Festivals are all about pacing. Although the thought of passing through the main gates and immediately moshing out seems attractive from a distance, it’s almost always better to ease into the action. Get your wristband, grab a snack and maybe a drink, wander around a bit and find something laid-back to watch. Japanese outfit Petrolz, playing at the White Stage, were about as solid a way to start the Fuji Rock weekend as possible. They were, in a word, chill.

The trio played an easy-going, disco-tinged set at 1 p.m., the sort of performance moving at hip-swaying speed. Save for a few guitar solos — guitar solos that showed a little teeth, but never threatening to tear apart the mood — it was a pleasant set punctuated by “la la la” backing vocals and catchy hooks. Petrolz made some time for some playful banter with the crowd, leading to a brief gag where the drummer ripped into a heavy solo, and this playful attitude extended to their whole performance (though, despite the laid-back vibe, Petrolz also were zoned in, and their set also sounded very polished). With plenty of time left at Fuji Rock 2015, Petrolz played a well-paced midday set that was perfect for punters to start their time in Naeba off with.