The Vapors – ‘Wasp In A Jar’ (Red Chuck Records)

The Vapors – ‘Wasp In A Jar’ (Red Chuck Records)

“Life, you just can’t odds it, can you?”, as a certain fictional barman of Brentford was fond of saying (hello, Robert Rankin). So, here in 2025, we welcome the fourth studio album by The Vapors. Yes, you heard that right. 2020’s ‘Together’ saw a record-breaking 39 years between albums, and perhaps it passed you by due to its release coinciding with the pandemic. Which is a shame, because it’s a belter.

‘Wasp In A Jar’ is even better. If you loved the debut album, the sound is immediately recognisable, not just due to Dave Fenton’s vocals, but also the subtle melodies that get under your skin after the first play. So, we have 14 new tunes to revel in, starting with ‘Hit The Ground Running’, which would sit nicely on the debut. Let’s face it, no one wants The Vapors to change their style. Fenton’s voice hasn’t changed at all, which is a joy to hear, and it certainly sounds like a single.

‘The Human Race’ follows suit, you feel like you already know the chorus, and ‘Forever And Ever’ proves this wasn’t a fluke. A spiky love song, “You’re my porcupine, always be my valentine, you’re my wasp in a jar…”. ‘Miss You Girl’ hooks you from the opening bass line, and the chorus is as simple as you could get away with, yet it’s perfect. What can I say? This album is as welcome as finding a forgotten twenty-pound note in your winter coat and much less likely. Yet, here we are.

‘Decompression’ adds a bit more clout, riff-wise, melded to another memorable chorus, where the guitars chime. ‘Carry On’ has all the hallmarks of classic Vapors, that lovely, clipped rhythm guitar, before it opens up, a song of hope. ‘Nonstop Radio’ deserves radio play, if only. I’m sure Uncle Dom will find space for a couple of tracks on the righteous RPM podcast…

‘Nothing Can Stop Us Now’ is their “us against the world” song, and ‘Look Away Now’ is perhaps the most beautiful song here, delicately yearning. I don’t know how long it took them to write these songs, but they’ve hit a purple patch, whether it’s ‘Proud’ or ‘It Gets Better’. This album was crowdfunded, and it’s clear that the band have made every effort to pay back their fans with quality tunes and modern production. If you’re already a fan, whatever your age, get your ears around this. It’s a gem.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

R-Fest Tickets for NHS Workers

R-Fest Tickets for NHS Workers

REBELLION FESTIVAL PRESENTS R-FEST

A NEW OUTDOOR FESTIVAL IN FRONT OF BLACKPOOL TOWER TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 4-7, 2022, IN ADDITION TO REBELLION AT THE WINTER GARDENS

R-FEST OFFERING FREE TICKETS TO NHS WORKERS!

Rebellion Festival, the largest punk and alternative festival in the world, is returning in 2022 even bigger and better with the launch of new outdoor event R-FEST – the festival within a festival.

Taking place this coming 4th to 7th of August 2022, in addition to Rebellion Festival at its annual home the Winter Gardens, R-FEST will be located slap bang in front of Blackpool Tower on the promenade, directly down from the Winter Gardens.

Although the country and government might have stopped clapping for the NHS, R-Fest want to show their gratitude for everything they did during the pandemic and continue to do, by offering one hundred tickets per day to the wonderful NHS workers.

If you’re an NHS key worker and fancy coming along for a day of music, food and sunshine all you’ll need to do is visit the Winter Gardens box office on Victoria Street, Blackpool this Wednesday 3rd August (12pm – 9pm) and show your NHS ID card to receive a free ticket for the R-Fest day of your choosing.

T&Cs apply: only one ticket per NHS ID can be given for free, though you may be able to purchase additional tickets from the box office. Up to 100 tickets available for each day of the festival – Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th August.

Note: this is a goodwill promotion and as such refunds cannot be issued for existing ticket holders.

The full line-up for R-Fest is.

THURSDAY 4th AUGUST: Levellers, Hawkwind, Misty in Roots, Dreadzone, Ferocious Dog, Beans on Toast, Millie Manders and the Shut Up

FRIDAY 5th AUGUST: The Stranglers, The Undertones, The Skids, From the Jam, Toyah, Jilted John, The Vapors

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST: Gary Numan, Peter Hook & the Light, Pop Will Eat Itself, Spear of Destiny, The Wedding Present, Primitives, Pete Bentham & the Dinner Ladies

SUNDAY 7th AUGUST: Squeeze, Billy Bragg, Tom Robinson Band, Hollie Cook, Buzzcocks, Altered Images, I, Doris

R-FEST will quickly establish itself as the North West’s premier music festival and Rebellion Festival look forward to welcoming many fans that could be experiencing one of their events for the first time. We’re sure they will be welcomed by the Rebellion Family and soon realise why Blackpool is such a special place for our summer gatherings.

R-FEST is a standalone festival and day tickets are available at £50 per day. However, if you are a REBELLION weekend or REBELLION day ticket holder your ticket will get into R-FEST Free Of Charge!

R-FEST is all ages and there is re-entry available.

Rebellion Festival also looks forward to hosting the best punk from around the world in 2022 with the likes of Sham 69, Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers confirmed to play the Winter Gardens August 4th-7th 2022.

Tickets for Saturday R-FEST are available HERE:

Rebellion Day & Weekend Tickets gets you in to R-FEST and the Winter Gardens full festival and are on sale HERE:

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com/r-fest for all info and tickets.