Yet another emerging artist hit the right chords at the Rookie A Go Go stage. Kansai-based band Acidclank credits their taste and style to overseas indie bands, and the influences are evident right off the bat.

As the breezy weather held off the rain, the 5-person band strolled onto stage, looking like a group of mismatched hooligans. Without a guitar or bass in hand, any one of them could be mistaken for a K-Pop boy band member. Each one dressed in their own fashionable style – nothing in coordination. The lead singer sported a shirt that read “Welcome to the Acid House”.

It would be hard to know what their sound would be like from their first impression. But once the first chord struck, beachy dream pop vibes overtook the stage.

Their sounds are reminiscent of Wavves, Alvvays, or Starfucker – basically, bands with coastal and hipster influences. The lead’s voice is comparable to that of Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, making for a sweet treat at this year’s Fuji Rock after last year’s cancellation where the band was due to headline.

The band’s set started with such laid-back vibes but floated onto occasionally mix in with industrial and electronic sounds, making for an unpredictable set that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Uniquely, the 5-person band isn’t a 5-piece band. Three members play the guitar while the other plays a bass, and of course, a drummer for the fifth member.

The lead and chorus use sound mixers in addition to playing guitar; this allows Acidclank to mix in the unpredictable sounds such as tribal percussion, industrial noise, and electronics that keep the songs fresh.