A bold and lively album...
09 · 07 · 2025
Like many indie-rock bands from the past decade, Wet Leg returns with a certain level of expectation following their immensely successful debut, which earned them three Grammys and two BRIT awards. However, instead of completely reinventing their sound, the five-piece from the Isle of Wight has cleverly built upon their existing strengths, enhancing rather than completely changing what made them a refreshing presence when they burst onto the scene in 2022. The outcome is a self-assured, vibrant album that cements their position as one of the most unique musical voices in the UK.
While the band's irreverent attitude and playful, mischievous vocal style are still prominent, there is a clear expansion in thematic depth and musical complexity. This second offering is propelled by a newfound openness to explore emotional vulnerability, particularly through love songs, a domain that co-founder Rhian Teasdale previously approached with skepticism. Here, however, Wet Leg twist the familiar territory with their now-signature sardonic perspective.
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‘CPR’ merges bratty vocals (“Is it love or suicide?”) with jagged guitars and brisk percussion. Lead single ‘Catch These Fists’ is a vibrant burst of dance-punk energy, with a ticking groove and bouncing bass that create space for Teasdale’s delightfully deadpan delivery. Electrifying and assertive, it was a perfect choice for a comeback single. ‘Davina McCall’ exudes a nostalgic and dreamy vibe, with falsetto vocals expressing devotion in pop-culture terms (“I’ll be your Shakira, whenever wherever”). In contrast, ‘Pond Song’ radiates with euphoric rock energy (sure to become a crowd favorite) while ‘Pokemon’ sparkles with ‘80s balladry, embarking on a whimsical journey from ‘Isle of Wight to Tokyo’.
There are fresh textures as well, notably on the gritty ‘Pillow Talk’, featuring industrial guitars and an electro-motorik drive. Additionally, the band showcases their quirky style: ‘U And Me At Home’ rattles with discordant charm and a cathartic, loud chorus, while ‘Jennifer’s Body’ is both rough and taut. ‘Mangetout’ blends flirty, airy vocals in the verses with a jarring shift in the chorus (“Get lost forever”), while in ‘Don’t Speak’, the vocals are almost inaudible, nearly overshadowed by a chaotic blend of snarling Americana.
Under the continued guidance of producer Dan Carey, Wet Leg has addressed any pressure with reassuring defiance. Since it wasn’t broken, they haven't fixed it, keeping the album succinct without sacrificing their innate sense of enjoyment. Punchier, prettier, and more playfully subversive, ‘Moisturizer’ will undoubtedly assist Wet Leg in maintaining their status as one of Britain's most distinctive bands. Expectations be damned.
8/10
Words: Richard Bowes
Dig This? Dig Deeper: Wire, Sparks, The Breeders
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Similar to any indie-rock band from the past ten years, Wet Leg returns with a hint of anticipation after their immensely successful debut, which secured