Here’s a rarity from my dusty collection of punk singles from 1977-80. Straight outta Walthamstow, it’s The Wasps.

I’m surprised to find how good it sounds nearly half a century after its release, largely because the band’s infectious energy is matched by a decent tune.

That wasn’t always the case with the second tier of punk groups. The Wasps might have been that, but they were one of the first to form, and one of the first I saw in early ’77.

Led by the ebullient Jesse Lynn-Dean, they put the East End’s suburban fringe of E17 on the music map, inspired by the burgeoning scene at London clubs like the Roxy.

Tongues firmly in cheek, the sleeve of their first (and best) single, Teenage Treats promised: “One day an exciting New Wave quartet will explode out of nowhere like Walthamstow with high energy music… but until then you will have to settle for The Wasps.”

Produced by Kim Turner – younger brother of Wishbone Ash siblings Ted and Martin, and himself a member of Alternative TV – came out in November 1977 on the indie label Fourplay, and was followed by a John Peel session early the next year.

The path to their 15 minutes of fame was not without hurdles. First their original guitarist Del May left, convinced punk would get nowhere – a not uncommon view at the time – and was replaced by 16-year-old Gary Wellman.

Then, in a more serious blow to their youthful ambitions, a fan died at one of their gigs at The Bell in Kings Cross, after which they understandably took a step back from live performance.

After seven months in a rehearsal studio trying to write hit songs The Wasps emerged with a new look (three-piece suits), a new manager and a new deal with a major label.

They made a couple of contributions to the Vortex punk compilation, including a version of the Velvets’ Waiting For The Man, but broke up soon after their first RCA single, Rubber Cars.

Looking back now, they’re one of a clutch of Second Division punk bands, along with their near namesakes The Flys, The Lurkers, The Cortinas, The Drones and Suburban Studs – who might have done better with a bit more luck.

Unbeknown to me (and most others) Lynn-Dean reunited The Wasps in 2019 for a new album, released last year. It’s better than might be suggested by its title, Punk Prayer. But 45 years too late.

Give a listen to Teenage Treats – they’re on the verge of 100,000 YouTube views and that’s the least they deserve!