The return of Guildford New Wave Power Popper’s The Vapors in 2016 after thirty-four years away from the scene was cause for celebration amongst the sharper observers on the scene. Best known for the iconic hit ‘Turning Japanese’ and their links with The Jam, a band they toured with on the ‘Setting Sons’ jaunt, the quartet have style, swagger and tunes by the bucketload.

Whilst the single may have been quirky, its perfectly constructed composition and production meaning its still as loved now as it always had been. The outfit was a shining beacon of light amongst a sea of pretenders to the throne, their debut album ‘New Clear Days’ crystalline. When sophomore full-length release ‘Magnets’ failed to make the impact it should have due to record company mismanagement the band split, all four members going their separate ways.

Having dipped their toes back in the water, it was obvious that there was a demand for their full return and they’ve not looked back since, with several tours under their belts and comeback album ‘Magnets’ receiving rave reviews. Now, fast forwarding to the present, the crowdfunded forth album ‘Wasp In A Jar’ is with us, the great and the good invited to a special album launch in Kings Cross’s famous Water Rats venue.

Arriving with the place already buzzing with friends and fans from all over the globe, the doors to the venue were opened to reveal tables with themed lights, menus and treats continuing the wasp in a jar theme. With nests of tables arranged night club style across the floor, the sight of acoustic instruments lined up on the stage beneath a screen onto which was projected The Vapors logo was a tantalising one.

The thing that struck the most was the obvious passion for the band in the room, old friends and new coming together to share experiences and some long held memories in a atmosphere that felt more like a warm family gathering than anything. With a little introduction, the first side of the new album was played over the speakers and the mix of that distinctive style with fresh material brought beaming smiles and nodding heads.

Opening with the spiky and elegant pop punk of ‘Hit The Ground Running’, the whole is a treat, the anthemic and feel-good ‘Forever & Ever’, thumping ‘Decompression’ and lyrical ‘Carry On’ thrilling. After a short break to digest it all, side two was a continuation of the wave, the big shimmering guitars of ‘Nonstop Radio’ and quirky ‘Idiot Creature’ being some of the highlights.

Following the familial theme, a raffle was held for some unique band prizes and a Q&A was held with the quartet showing the easy going bonhomie that has seen them so loved by the fans, one of whom had flown all the way from Florida to attend.

After a short break, founding members singer Dave Fenton and bass player Steve Smith strolled onstage with drummer Michael Bowes and guitarist Danny Fenton, running through a tight set of five numbers from the new album. With a slight air of danger, they’d transposed the bristling anthems into acoustic form with verve, the songs working exceptionally well in their stripped back form and allowed to really breathe.

As the band mingled with the crowd afterwards, everyone seemed really happy with the response to the new album and their coming nationwide support tour with Big Country a cause for further celebration.

Sounding as fresh as ever, The Vapors really have struck a chord and their reception enough to warm the hearts of the stoniest of critics. Tonight, stories were told, friendships deepened and with a truly new great new album that’s arguably their best yet, along with the promised dates up and down the highways and byways, it’s a fantastic time for both band and fans alike. It feels bloody good to be together again.

Review by Paul Monkhouse

Album review (Wasp In A Jar, 2025)

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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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