Forty-five years after their debut, The Vapors return with Wasp In A Jar, their fourth album and second since reforming. Instantly classic and effortlessly melodic, it proves that when a band has the knack, it never truly fades.
The album kicks off with “Hit The Ground Running,” a perfect blend of British punk and power pop, landing somewhere between The Professionals and Ruts DC. It sets the tone with its energy and attitude.
“The Human Race” stands out thanks to its fiery solo—there’s no doubt these guys are slinging their guitars low. Meanwhile, the title track is a sugar rush of melody, showcasing The Vapors’ uncanny ability to make anything rhyme.
“Miss You Girl” thrives on its simple yet effective groove, its naive charm adding to its heartfelt nature—it’s a song about frontman Dave Fenton’s daughter leaving home.
“Decompression” brings in a touch of funk, while “Carry On” stretches to over five minutes, a power pop take on prog that feels like a genuine journey.
The momentum doesn’t let up—”Nonstop Radio” keeps the energy high, “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” slows things down just a little, and “The Words” is a beautifully chugging piece of perfect pop. “Look Away Now” highlights the album’s rich textures, while “Idiot Creature” casts a critical eye on the USA—fair enough, who isn’t?
In the album’s final stretch, the ballad “It Gets Better” tackles relationship confusion in just a couple of minutes, throwing in the unforgettable line “Octopus of love.” “Proud” injects some ’60s jangle, a vibe that “Together Again” carries forward, ending with a chant tailor-made for live shows.
Despite the decades between releases, Wasp In A Jar feels like it belongs in The Vapors’ catalogue, buzzing with the same melodic instincts that made them great in the first place. And look at that—we got through the whole review without mentioning Turning Japanese…
Nearly.
Rating: 8/10
