Closing out the Friday night Rookie stage was Japanese electronic group, Yahyel. They’re a 3 man group which includes a live singer. Despite the 3am start time, they were looking to make their mark at Fuji and gain a Red Marquee appearance for next year.

Live mixing, including both a DJ and a guy on a sampler, Yahyel dropped bass heavy tunes ranging in styles and influences. Their tunes included techno, chillout, dubstep, trap, drum and bass and more. While the crowd was being assaulted by the bass, their front man delivered poetic verses in a high level of English. His voice was then autotuned, twisted and distorted, usually fitting with the beat in the background.

There was a clear resemblance to popular Japanese electronic duo, group_inou, a group which impressed many a Fujirocker last year. Yahyel isn’t quite as tight as group_inou or as assured in their stage presence or vocals, but they shouldn’t be dismissed completely either.

Even though there is room for this band to grow, there is definite potential in their music too. The singing style, heavily distorted by autotune doesn’t always work, nor does the flow from one tune to the next. When Yahyel does get it right though, their sound is fresh, exciting and innovative. Hearing their music on a bigger system like the one in the Red Marquee could be a good move. I’m sure the bigger stage would revel things in the music and within the group that would impress and delight. I for one wouldn’t be upset to see Yahyel given another chance next year.