The Vapors

The Vapors are a seminal English new wave and power pop outfit formed in 1978 in Guildford. Closely associated with the Mod Revival scene through their management by John Weller (father of Paul Weller), the band developed a sound that combined the punchy, melodic sensibilities of 1960s pop with the structural tension of post-punk.

Their debut album, New Clear Days (1980), produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, remains a high-water mark for the genre, characterized by its 'brittle' sonic texture and staccato guitar work. Though often categorized as one-hit wonders due to the global success of 'Turning Japanese,' the band possessed a sophisticated lyrical palette, frequently exploring themes of Cold War paranoia and psychological distress. Their second album, Magnets (1981), moved toward a darker, more complex sound before their initial dissolution. Their 2016 reformation and subsequent 2020 album, Together, demonstrated a rare ability to maintain their signature 'nervous' energy while maturing their songwriting. They occupy a critical space between the raw mod-punk of The Jam and the more synth-oriented new wave that would dominate the mid-80s.