ASP’s ferocious new single “BA-BY” crashes onto this Wednesday, ahead of the Japanese punk-idol group’s debut UK tour. Out from midnight 13 August (JST), the title track of the double-single is equal parts punk chaos and cutesy charm. “It’s like a gremlin in idol form,” says lyricist Pecori, who leaned into ASP’s signature “punkish ferocity” when crafting the lyrics. Produced by Yohji Igarashi, the track fuses snarling nu-metal guitar riffs with space for each member’s voice to shine.

Fans won’t have to wait long to feel the fury live: ASP bring “BA-BY” to UK stages for the very first time this September. The tour kicks off at The Fleece in Bristol (22 Sep), storms through a sold-out Kings Arms in Manchester (23 Sep), and wraps up at The Underworld in London (25 Sep), along with a speculated UK festival appearance and other surprises in the works.  With only limited tickets left, this is the perfect chance to witness what Age Factory, producer of coupling track ‘Get New MIRAI’ calls a “new stage” of ASP. The band recently welcomed new iKO MUGENNOKANATA (formelry of BiS), and has just this week announced the return of member NAMELESS to the group's activities.

ASP member CCCCCC, who’s been studying English so she can interact with fans on the tour, comments:

“Our first UK tour starts this September! We’ve been to London a few times for ‘WACK in the UK’, and each time, we were so happy to see people coming from different countries to meet us. Singing and dancing together with ASP’s music showed us how amazing our fans are. We’re really thankful. Because of you, ASP feels strong and unstoppable!

“This will be our first time going to the UK as an 8-member group. We hope to spend a fun and special night with you!

“When I first heard our new song ‘BA-BY’, I thought, 'I can’t wait to sing this with everyone at a live show!' Right now, we’re getting ready every day, excited to perform this song live in the UK for the first time. We hope you enjoy the new and powerful ASP! It’s like a dream to be able to bring our music straight to you. See you on the UK tour!”

BA-BY is produced, composed and arranged by Yohji Igarashi, known for his work with rappers HIYADAM and Daoko. On the production, he comments,

“Although the song has a hard sound, I aimed to create something that would allow each member’s personality to shine through. A key highlight is how their powerful individual vocals hold their own against the intense sound.”

Lyrics were written by Pecori, whose work with Japanese rap group Number_i’s tracks ‘GOAT’ and ‘INZM’ has racked up over 200 million views on YouTube. He comments,

“When writing the lyrics I focused heavily on ASP’s biggest strength: their punkish ferocity! I imagined a gremlin-like character that, despite its cute appearance, will mess you up if you underestimate it. That kind of vibe. It's gonna get your blood-pumping and body-moving!”

The single’s chaotic collage-style artwork was designed by experimental visual artist JACKSON kaki, capturing the unpredictable charm of ASP as well as the themes woven throughout BA-BY.