Landing a headlining spot on the Red Marquee two years prior, British synth-pop trio Years & Years, led by charismatic frontman Olly Alexander, made their Fuji Rock debut and left their mark with an exciting and energetic performance full of upbeat vocal pop-driven dance tracks.

Fast forward two years and one album later, Years & Years were upgraded to a late-afternoon spot on the Green Stage; Some tough shoes to fill for a group who are seemingly still gaining solid footing.

What I imagined would be a set largely promoting their latest album, ‘Palo Santo’, which is a departure from their debut album in many ways, ended up being a balanced blend of past hits and new standouts. Opening with ‘Palo Santo’ lead single ‘Sanctify’, frontman Olly Alexander appeared in a cheetah-print tanktop, clunky gold chains and oversized red parachute pants, slinking back and forth across the stage.

Some technical issues with the mic-stand and a delay of the live-feed displayed on the screens marred the overall effect and delivery of the performance but the crowd seemed to pay no mind, dancing and singing along joyously.

The trio was supported by a pair on backup vocals, as well as a drummer which added a decidedly live element to their sleekly produced electronic pop.

Visuals pulled from their ‘Palo Santo’ series of promotional films and music videos, and imagery that echoed the futuristic megacity environment they created for the album backed past and recent songs equally well.

‘Communion’-era standouts like “Desire”, “King”, and the sprawling “Eyes Shut” showed the vocal chops of Alexander and the catchy song structures created by the group shone forth. These were bookended by selections from the recent ‘Palo Santo’, including “Karma” and “If You’re Over Me”.

All in all, their shot at a main stage was a success, largely in part to the pacing, as well as Alexander’s ability to keep the crowd smiling. Though perhaps operating on a grander scale than one that might help the group fire on all cylinders, the catchiness of their library of songs justified their placement on Fuji Rock’s main stage.