What better band to kick off the secret Zenyasai live lineup than Mexico’s own Son Rompe Pera. I mean, come on. They are an act that, at the end of the day, just sets the perfect mood of body moving fun-fun-fun.

The Red Marquee was packed and ready for them, right after a rousing opening night rallying cry from Fuji Rock’s legendary Hanafusa-san. His words on the visceral importance of Fuji Rock segwayed beautifully into Son Rompe Pera’s set, which came thundering in on a tidal wave of percussion that reached right out and grabbed you in your guts.

Just moments into the set the Marimba kicked in, and the spell was officially woven. What puts a person into a festival mood more quickly than some hard-edged and psychedelic marimba driven Cumbia? Not much, that’s for sure.

Everything from tempo to genre to vibe to who was playing what instrument ebbed and flowed in a way that kept the set engaging from beginning to end. So too did the frequent ‘viva Fuji’ cries. The only salient complaint is that their hypnotic thirty minute set went by in the blink of an eye.

If you were left wanting more, or if you missed their Thursday performance altogether, be sure not to miss their upcoming festival-proper sets. You’ll be able to find them Friday early afternoon on the White Stage and early in the wee hours of Saturday morning (or Friday night if you prefer) at the Crystal Palace.