Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2012

From a French band that channels Elvis to a Japanese DJ who channels French film music, the bill of this year’s Greenroom fest is all over the place. No matter, with a warm spring breeze blowing over the atmospheric Red Brick Warehouse venue on Yokohama bay, the event is sure to offer another fine weekend of easy grooves and laidback vibes.

Launching Greenroom in 2005 as an exercise in surf culture branding, founder Naoki Kamayachi’s music policy tends toward Jack Johnson-style, feel-good neo-folk and environmentally conscious messages (the festival’s motto is “Save a Beach”). Johnson himself tours larger venues, but his approach is always represented—this year by surfing buddy Donavon Frankenreiter.

Elsewhere the bill ranges from the Elvis-inspired retro rock of France’s Mustang to Japanese crate-digging DJ and French film soundtrack aficionado Fantastic Plastic Machine, and from live American trance band Lotus to Hawaiian supergroup Hapa.

Unless you’re a fan of punk, metal or free jazz, there’s something for just about everyone at Greenroom 12. And if you tire of the music there are several galleries of (mostly surf-inspired) art and film screenings to take in at the two Red Brick Warehouse buildings.

Sunglasses and sandals recommended.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, May 19-20 (listing).