Album review: THE VAPORS – Wasp In A Jar

Website [Release date 28.02.25]

The Vapors formed back in 1978 and readers of a certain vintage will recall the band’s biggest hit, ‘Turning Japanese’, released a mere 45 years ago! They split in 1981, reforming many years later in 2016 and have released one album since then, 2020’s ‘Together’. They have even scored a number one on the Heritage Chart with this album’s lead single ‘Hit the Ground Running’, a powerful and punchy power pop number.

The Vapors still feature two original members in vocalist/guitarist Dave Fenton and bassist Steve Smith, who are joined by guitarist Dan Fenton and drummer Michael Bowes.

Plenty to enjoy including aforementioned single ‘Hit the Ground Running’, which vies with ‘The Human Race’ (sounding very Kinks like) and ‘Decompression’ (loving the guitar and rhythm sound) as the album stand outs.

‘Look Away Now’ delves into that late 60s retro feel beloved of the Coral, showing the Vapors are not a band to pigeonholed.

‘Nonstop Radio’ with its hypnotic beat is a shoe-in for another single, whilst ‘Idiot Creature’ is lyrically topical and has a neat punk pop beat with a smattering of ska on the chorus.

The Vapors have still got it! An album full of musical joy with a fair few catchy tunes. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Gig review (Album launch, February 2025)

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