This year was a tough one!!!! There was a lot of fantastic stuff to be seen, that’s for sure. Not as many big names that grabbed me (save for one, you’ll have to wait and see!) but there was a lot of interesting stuff on the smaller stages.

I was struck with how many newer acts were going for a 90’s distorted guitar and emotion approach (NewDad, Yonalapa), and how much genre fluidity was a thing. Are these trends? Or just the results of a small sample size? I’ll never know (because no, I won’t put in the effort to do any research and find anything out).

Special shout outs to Summer Eye, Kanekoayano and Ginger Root. Y’all almost made it. Rookies TV Tairiku and Hashirikomiz, I’ve got my eye on you…

And now, with no further ado and in no particular order, are my top 5’s of 2025

1 – Leenalchi

I don’t know if I would want to watch a whole 2 hour set from these guys, but that is in no way a knock. I feel the same about a lot of my all time favorites. But man was this an interesting set. I’ve never heard anything like it, it was infectious, it was cool, it was surprisingly fun. I just wish I knew Korean because not understanding a language does hurt the reception of storytelling songs. But yeah, I guess 4 vocalists, 2 bassists and a drummer can work.

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2 – Lausbub

I think i was the most pleasantly surprised by this set of all at the festival. I had no idea what to think, and seeing two young people be this creatively wild and confident gave me faith in the future. They were super cool, but it was pretty clear they were just doing what they wanted to do, they weren’t trying to be cool. Which, of course, is the coolest way to be cool. Absolutely would love to see them again and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how they grow as an act.

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3 – Sakamoto Shintaro

This one is incredibly obvious for me, but if he is on the bill he’s gonna be on my list. Just one of my all time favorite dudes, and even though Red Marqee doesn’t suit him as well as the Field of Heaven, it was still a powerful set. If you’ve never seen or listened to him please rectify that situation as soon as possible… before anyone finds out. Your secret is safe with me.

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4 – Pas Tasta

It might be partially because of how my brain was breaking down after three days and nights of festival, but Pas Tasta’s set was exactly what my fragmented little mind needed. They seem like they are going in a slightly less bonkers direction in terms of chaos, but here’s hoping they at least maintain this level.

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5 – Yamashita Tatsuro

Could it be anyone else? I mean, the man is a legend and it was so so cool to see everyone, especially people visiting the festival from abroad, really feeling the set. It ruled.

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Another one on the books! Hope to see you in good health and good spirits again next year!