Description
#wetleg #vinyl #vinylrecords
The much-awaited “moisturizer” album from Wet Leg, has officially been announced – and with it comes an audacious introduction. An eclectic Isle of Wight five-member outfit led by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, the band will release this second album on July 11th, 2025.
Amongst its active constituents are an amalgamation of sensitive kinship, undying love and fervent devotion plus a variety of unexpected jiujitsus – Davina McCall, LGBTQ+ romance, eclecticism in guitars, and references to notable filmography like Alien. Comparable to a concoction of eccentric compounds, “moisturizer” is an album engineered to astound the audience with its merry melodies and meaningful lyrics, performed by some of UK’s most unconventional talents.
Preliminary work commenced on Wet Leg’s “moisturizer” project even before the release of their self-titled 2022 debut album. The band’s consistent touring with Ellis Durand (bass), Henry Holmes (drums), and Joshua Mobaraki (guitar, synth) facilitated a transformation into a well-drilled and piercing live act. Their string of successes – #1 positions in multiple charts worldwide, several Grammys, Brit awards, and accumulation of over half a billion streams has underlined this new direction. However, Wet Leg refused to sway by choice and stuck to the path true to them. They enlisted Dan Carey’s services yet again as their producer. The synergy between the band members increased in March 2024 when they decided to live together in Southwold, where they wrote, played, and relaxed together.
Besides the big reveal of their album, Wet Leg also released a sneak peek in the form of a single named “catch these fists”. The track gives you a taste of dance-punk at its finest, characterized by energetic bass beats set against a backdrop of howling synthesizers. This powerful music acts as a striking contrast to Teasdale’s distinctively eerie yet placid voice. The galvanizing factor for “catch these fists” like many on “moisturizer” was an unpleasant encounter with a disrespectful man, as the song’s final verse reveals. While this is an important factor, it’s not the central theme of “moisturizer”, as there are many songs centered around the theme of finding oneself head over heels in love.
This unforgettable change is derived from Teasdale’s own romantic life when she fell in love in 2021, subsequently shaping “moisturizer’s” general mood. She once hesitated to write love songs, but this album completely contradicts that, brimming with sheer joy and optimism. She found it both empowering and refreshing, specifically penning down love melodies about non-male partners, which diverged from her norm. This new-found empowerment is visible in “moisturizer’s” album art too; one can see Chambers and Teasdale audaciously showcasing their lengthy, spooky nails. Teasdale dons exaggerated, quirky socks and a unique grin for the camera, painting a precise picture of the album’s bold, quirky character.
Echoing the bands influence such as Bombay Bicycle Club, PJ Harvey, and White Stripes, there’s something daringly addictive about “moisturizer”. Wet Leg hones their unique blend of fiery, sharply witty, and heartfelt anthems with every beat, string, and lyric of this album. Drawing from their stage experience and fan interactions on-tour, Wet Leg turns the spotlight on love – from different perspectives, colors, and intensities. From capturing the euphoria of newfound infatuation to unrepentant lust, moody stress, and deepest devotion, Wet Leg just turned the concept of love into a musical spectrum to appreciate. The final product is a sublime mix of songs about love – some loud, some soft, but all pure and beautifully mysterious.
