The Vels began when Charles Hanson, former member of the 1970s New Orleans punk group, the Normals, invited Chris Larkin and Alice Desoto to join him for a show at the now defunct Love Club in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Inquirer music critic, Lee Paris was there, and wrote a positive review.
Chris Larkin had left sometime before their second studio album, House of Miracles (1986), and it was recorded without him, this time with production by Steve Levine, known for his work with Culture Club.
A music video for their song "Look My Way" was filmed in London, and became popular during the early days of MTV.
In 1986, the Vels toured the U.S. as the opening act for British band the Psychedelic Furs, but disbanded in 1987.