In 1980, the world suddenly turned Japanese with The Vapors huge hit “Turning Japanese.” That piece of spiky, edgy pop punk stormed the charts and currently boasts over 45 million plays on Spotify.
45 years later, 80s band The Vapors are back with a new record, “Wasp in a Jar” out February 28th. They reformed in 2020 to release their comeback album “Together,” which was enthusiastically welcomed by fans and press alike.
This new record is another punchy return—they’ve not lost any of their punk spirit, with original frontman Dave Fenton and bassist Steve Smith now joined by Fenton’s son Dan on lead guitar and Michael Bowes on drums.
The album is the fourth to be released from the Guildford collective, following their debut LP “New Clear Days” in 1980, “Magnets” the following year, and their long-awaited post-hiatus record Together in 2020. They continue to ride the high of their reunion, having toured extensively since getting the band back together, much like they did during their initial two short years—this energy carries over into “Wasp in a Jar,” fast-paced, punchy and full of expertly crafted hooks.
The album is released on February 28
My review: The album has 14 new tracks.
“Hit the Ground Running” does just that! Damn, those drums from Michael Bowes are good. The track bounces with that infectious punk pop energy; it gives a nod toward the modern melodic punk delivered by bands like The Last Gang, and it has a solid modern feel.
“The Human Race” opens with some edgy throbbing guitars. It has decent energy and a chorus that is quite infectious.
“Forever and Ever” slows things down a bit and plays with a heavy bass and drum sound. The hooks are good and the track has a great vocal too.
“Miss You Girl” opens with some funky bass chords before giving way to an attention-grabbing chorus. It is written about Dave’s daughter leaving home at 18, and was a track I thought fit into the feel of the album. It’s a track that is a little over repetitive for me, but I get it!
“Decompression” moves toward a heavy groove; dare I suggest a little bluesy in places? The band can do light and shade; this one shows a maturity in playing style.
“Carry On” has a chugging beat and a pop punk feel. It is a track I am sure the guys had a load of fun with it and the harmonised vocals give a different feel.
“Nonstop Radio” I liked it; it had a commercial feel to it and I think it would be a belter live. I thought the chorus worked well and the track was one that you felt like moving along to!
“Nothing Can Stop Us Now” moves from acoustic pop and then moves toward a bigger song. I liked it and it gave a different taste to the latter part of the album. It is another track that I am sure would play well on commercial radio. Well written this one.
“The Words” is spiky! It moves with a fast guitar and a bit of reggae beat. Interesting!
“Look Away Now” is more of a sing-along with a sway. It shows again the different tastes the band introduces into this album.
“Idiot Creature” is “a furious, scathing retrospective on the harrowing events of recent history.” It is brash, bounces along and is filled with more than a pinch of angst.
“It Gets Better” Slows it down and gives a rock-style track with a big drum sound again that I liked. It is quite a heavy hitter and has a mean chorus.
“Proud” returns to an eighties feel, that pop punk strut and a lyric that has a nod of optimism.
“Together Again” finishes the album with the required swagger of a band who are enjoying life again and finding new ways in 2025.
In summary: The Vapors prove they still have plenty to say with this dynamic, varied, and confident release. From punk-fueled energy to thoughtful introspection, the band shifts gears effortlessly, delivering infectious hooks, bold rhythms, and sharp songwriting. There’s a maturity in their sound, but they haven’t lost their edge—tracks like “Idiot Creature” bristle with urgency, while “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” and “Proud” bring a sense of uplift. Whether leaning into punk swagger, pop sensibilities, or even a touch of blues, this album captures a band that’s evolved without losing its fire.
Standout tracks: “Nonsop Radio,” “The Human Race,” and “Nothing Can Stop Us Now”
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Stream music by The Vapors here
Band website here
Be sure to catch The Vapors at one of their newly announced intimate shows in March following the album’s release (click on each tour date for tickets):
7th March, Brighton – The Albert
8th March: Bristol – The Thunderbolt
14th March, Manchester – 33 Oldham Street
15th March, Sheffield – Record Junkee
23rd March (early show) – London – Islington Hope & Anchor
By Benny (the Ball) Benson