When U.S. act Washed Out hit the Red Marquee stage on Friday night, that's when the Fuji Rock Festival 2011 really began to get going.
Coming off a drab performance at May's Freaks Festival that left many disappointed, singer Ernest Greene was determined to prove that it was just a freak accident, and was boldly wearing the May festival's T-shirt like a statement of intent. Greene swaggered through the band's set with a level of confidence unbecoming of his status as chillwave's poster boy, urging the crowd to "jump, jump!" through disco'd-up versions of "You'll See It" and "Eyes Be Closed."
While low expectations may have played a part, Washed Out's triumph was that of a young band bringing a fresh sound to Fuji and owning the stage.