Showcasing the freshest talent from the Japanese idol scene, Wack In The UK makes a welcome return to The Underworld venue for it’s third edition. In fact, Wack has become a highlight on the idol calendar, bringing the very best in alternative idols to these shores, and a buzz builds outside the venue from early afternoon as the early birds and VIP ticket holders queue to gain a coveted spot in front of the stage.

The excitement that surrounds the venue is carried into the cavernous environs of the Underworld and that’s understandable because tonight’s opening act are MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN TONAi BOUSHO aka MONSTERIDOL. Formed in late 2023, they are, as their name suggests, a kind of idol “supergroup” and feature members of two groups fused into one explosive package (although since the departure of Miku they no longer feature any members from TONAi BOUSHO). Using Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ as an intro tape proves to be pretty pertinent and acts as a portent for the rest of their set. It is standing room only as the band arrive like a riotous splash of sight and sound, an explosion of energy and effervescence, and it proves to be quite contagious. The passion that radiates from the stage infects and galvanises the crowd as those packed in front of the stage punch the air and perform impressive vertical leaps. With their checked outfits they don’t look like your average idol group (which, of course, is a good thing) and their vivacious performance leaves a lasting impression, and one that sets the bar high for the rest of the evening.

There’s very little space between bands; no sooner have people made it to the bar then BiS (Brand-new idol Society) take to the stage. It’s something of which I thoroughly approve and contributes to the fast-paced nature of the evening, and tonight is certainly expeditious. It creates a sense of dynamism and that is exactly what BiS possess. With a similar aesthetic to MONSTERIDOL, although more rooted in Harajuku street fashion, BiS take the energy levels through the roof and perform highly choreographed dance routines with razor sharp precision and the result is fairly dizzying. Now in their third generation, BiS’ constant rejuvenation has given them a vigour that many of their peers lack and it has ensured a constant stream of new fans, many of whom are present tonight. Those who have never attended an idol show might be surprised at the devotion the fans display as glow sticks light up the dark and the dance moves are followed slavishly, but it’s all in the right spirit and the crowd’s devotion is the ultimate seal of approval.

Having played at the previous two events, ASP are no strangers to Wack In The UK, yet they are always conscious about giving their fans something new (and there are a lot of familiar faces present). For tonight’s gig they appear attired all in black and, with long flowing capes, look like seven superheroes (or maybe anti-heroes) who’ve come to save the world with their intricate dance moves. With a debut album titled Anal Sex Penis and with singles such as the wonderfully sweary ‘Bollocks’, ASP are the complete antithesis to the fluffy quality most people would associate with the idol scene. But, tonight is all about smashing preconceived ideas to smithereens, and that’s precisely what ASP do. As an old school metalhead who placed great authenticity and musicianship, it took me quite a while to get my head around the idol scene, but after I attended the first Wack In The UK show it suddenly all clicked into place. The skill set required to perform these routines is no less than, say, Eddie Van Halen pulling off a solo, and there’s a reason these dances are choreographed; with seven people on stage, one false move could bring the whole group crashing down line a pack of cards. Many metal gigs are described as “high-octane”, yet not even Raven in their prime (with their brand of “athletic rock”) could compete with the energy ASP have expended and when they leave the stage drenched in sweat, it feels as if no one has been short changed.

Wack In The UK will return to The Underworld for its fourth edition in November.