WACK in the UK Vol.2 transforms The Underworld in London into an idol music mecca

Alternative idol agency and uppercase ‘i’ haters, WACK, made a triumphant return to London for the second installment of their ongoing series of live events in the heart of the British capital, dubbed ‘WACK in the UK Vol.2’.

Since its inception in 2023, the event, designed to spotlight WACK talent on an international stage, has also emerged as a mecca for their global fanbase, offering them a chance to rally behind their favourite groups on western soil.

The inaugural event, held last November, featured the lineup of punk-infused 6-piece ASP, ExWHYZ- a group formed following EMPiRE’s disbandment in 2022- and AiNATOAOI, a duo created specifically for the show comprised of former BiSH member AiNA THE END and dancer AOI YAMADA.

Returning to WACK’s London basement-dwelling, The Underworld, Vol.2 boasted performances from KiSS KiSS, the returning ASP, and GANG PARADE, WACK’s largest group with 13 members.

Prior to the show, VIP ticket holders had the rare opportunity to dine with the 20 idols slated to perform that evening, an unprecedented gesture in an industry often overly protective of its talent. WACK’s consistent ability to facilitate such intimate fan interactions has become a hallmark of their approach over the past decade, setting them apart from competing agencies.

With attendees hailing from the UK, Europe, the USA, and Japan, the atmosphere exuded camaraderie as fans united with one goal in mind- go mental over some high-energy idol tunes.

Before the show commenced, attendees armed themselves with light sticks, while some warmed up with stretches at the back of the venue. WACK director Junnosuke Watanabe kicked off the evening with a brief message, expressing gratitude to the crowd and reminding them to behave themselves- all while sporting bunny ears, a playful nod to the upcoming Easter season.

The night kicked off with KiSS KiSS, formed in March 2023, making them the youngest WACK group on the lineup. Comprising the six most junior members of GANG PARADE, KiSS KiSS have a sweeter charm reminiscent of idol groups from the early 2010s. They started with the upbeat track ‘KiSSES’, radiating nostalgic 90s anime opening vibes, followed by ‘KiSS KiSS SUNSET’, and ‘KiSS KiSS KiSS’, a thumping electronic piece featuring a chorus of “KISS KISS KISS!” refrains- undoubtedly the most thematically intense track of the set. The chip-tune delight ‘CHOCO KiSS!!’ proved to be a sleeper hit, energizing the crowd before winding down for their final song of the night, ‘Cake!’.

Word has it that KiSS KiSS often opens for GANG PARADE, which makes sense- why have support when you can open for yourself? However, it also feels like a peculiar hazing ritual where the youngest members must perform twice in one night. Despite this, the junior members delivered their set with unwavering enthusiasm, almost as if they were unaware of their impending second performance just 90 minutes later.

Next up were ASP (ANTi SOCiETY PUNKS), armed with a punk rock edge, a point driven home by their use of Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust for Life’ for their entrance. Returning to the London stage for the second time, ASP wasted no time igniting the crowd, kicking off with ‘HAiKEi ROCKSTARSAMA’ from their 2021 debut album ‘ANAL SEX PENiS’ (yes, that is what ASP originally stood for), swiftly followed by the chant-hungry rock anthem ‘NO REASON’.

ASP have been steadily building a connection with the UK. Besides London, where they made their overseas live debut, they’ve had two tracks produced by prominent figures in the UK music scene. ‘TOXiC iNVASiON’, the lead single of their major debut EP ‘DELiCiOUS ViCiOUS’, produced by Prodigy legend Maxim, rocked the venue with its breakbeat instrumental and smooth rap verses.

‘the MAN CALLiNG’ brought back the breakneck punk sound, followed by the unexpectedly catchy peppy pop-rock tune ‘Blueberry Gum’ and the oddly low-tempo trap rap track ‘PLEASE!!!’, which momentarily slowed down the momentum. However, they quickly picked up speed with the nu-metal banger ‘MAKE A MOVE’, produced by Sam Mattlock of the award-winning UK duo WARGASM.

Wrapping up with the dance-rock and rap fusion ‘Hyper Cracker’, all seven members poured their energy onto the stage, with Yumeka Nowkana? embodying the punk attitude the most, throwing up the horns, gurning wildly, and rocking out from beginning to end.

ASP hit many of the keynotes that propelled BiSH, still WACK’s most frequently listened-to artist on Spotify despite disbanding last summer, to national stardom and international acclaim. With a similar energy, ethos, and alt-music sound, ASP have the potential to appeal to a broader international audience beyond the idol scene.

Junnosuke, when asked earlier this year about which of his groups has the best chance of replicating BiSH’s success, pointed to ASP as the closest contender, a sentiment echoed by their performance tonight. However, I must deduct points from their set for committing the cardinal sin of professing their love for fish and chips- it’s 2024, and we can’t still be getting excited every time an artist mentions fish and chips.

RELATED: JUNNOSUKE WATANABE: HOW WACK NAVIGATED CONTROVERSY AND SUCCESS IN JAPAN’S IDOL SCENE

GANG PARADE took me by surprise. Before the set began, a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. As soon as the opening notes of the electro-banger ‘Plastic 2 Mercy’ reverberated through the sound system, the crowd went ape. The venue skyline was illuminated by GANG PARADE branded light bracelets and pink glow sticks, while the crowd chanted at the top of their lungs, completely immersed in the moment.

The electro-swing tune ‘SUPER PARTY PEOPLE’ kept the party atmosphere alive, followed by a quick breather to ask the crowd if they liked sushi, before leading into Sushi Zanmai collaboration track ‘TORO IKURA UNI Tabetai’, where the girls danced in a circle resembling a sushi conveyor belt.

The robust Japanese-style EDM beat of ‘Yakudou’ from their latest split single became one of the biggest highlights of the night, while the hip-hop tones of ‘Gangsta Vibes’ infused the performance with dance battle energy. The set concluded with the high-energy cutesy electro-pop-rock anthem ‘Happy Lucky Kirakira Lucky’ and ‘ROCK wo tomeruna !!’, the other track from their latest split single, providing a fitting farewell hand swayer.

Characterized by a seamless blend of J-pop sensibilities, driving EDM, and hip-hop, GANG PARADE’s set was a whirlwind of non-stop energy, driving beats, catchy melodies, and powerful gang vocals- a testament to the potential of idol music. Despite the group’s size, no member felt left out, each equally showcasing their unique personalities and seamlessly executing intricate dance routines as a 13-member collective on The Underworld’s tiny stage.

GANG PARADE oozed an unparalleled sense of exhilaration, with their music and performances inspiring joy, excitement, and a feeling of connection among audience members. Whether you were a longtime fan or experiencing their music for the first time, their set left a lasting impression.

All three groups came out for one final goodbye, with Junnosuke expressing his gratitude for the fans’ participation, stating, “Tonight, we were one”, while lightheartedly poking fun at the girls’ limited English skills. To wrap up the night, he made the announcement live on stage that WACK in the UK would return to London for Vol.3 this August, featuring ASP once again alongside MONSTER IDOL and BiS, which was met with unanimous roars from across the venue.

RELATED: WACK IN THE UK VOL.3 LINE-UP REVEALED: BIS, ASP, AND MONSTERIDOL CONFIRMED

‘WACK in the UK Vol.2’ was an unforgettable night for WACK fans, capturing the intimate Japanese live house vibe in the heart of London. It was a perfect showcase of what idol music is all about: high energy and feel-good fun, with each act catering to different niches within the idol music spectrum. Whether you’re a long-time idol music fan or simply seeking an authentic and distinctly Japanese music experience in the comfort of your home country, Vol.3 is a must-attend event when it returns this summer.

Photos by Charles Shepherd

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