The Vapors

The Vapors formed in Guildford, England in 1978 with David Fenton on vocals and guitar, Edward Bazalgette on guitar, Steve Smith on bass, and Howard Smith on drums. Their 1980 single 'Turning Japanese' became a surprise international hit, reaching number one in both the UK and US charts with its angular guitar work and Fenton's dry vocal delivery.

That song's success came from their debut album 'New Clear Days,' which captured their particular take on the post-punk sound of the time. They followed it with a second album called 'Magnets' in 1981, which leaned into more straightforward pop structures but didn't find the same commercial footing. Other tracks like 'Here Comes The Judge' and 'Galleries For Guns' showed the band's range within their tight, wiry framework.

The group disbanded in 1983, though they played some reunion shows in 1998. Fenton's reported struggles with stage fright and some internal tensions were part of the story, but what remains are those two albums and a handful of sharp singles that defined their brief run.