The Vibrators With Chris Spedding

★★★ Mars Casino CLEOPATRA. CD/DL/LP

The original line-up reunited for feisty comeback.

Formed in 1976, their frankly weird career trajectory – signed by Mickie Most’s decidedly pop RAK label, support slots for The Stranglers, Sex Pistols and Iggy Pop, then numerous break-ups and reformations – made The Vibrators punk’s ugly ducklings, never quite accepted as part of the scene, yet crucial players nonetheless. The riffs and approach might seem antique, but there’s mileage to be had in short songs played with guitar power. It starts shakily, though: three of the lyrically strongest songs open the album – Mars Casino, Jesus Stole My Little Dog and Garbage Can – but the lead vocal is not so much buried as sporadically almost inaudible. The sound recovers: Book Of Love is sing-along fun, Woman 3.2 witty and endearing, Passing Of Days’ art-rocking social commentary is genuinely spooky, while Paper Tiger’s guitar riff chimes. Forty-five years later, The Vibrators can still put on a spirited show. David Buckley