British indie rock band Wet Leg held the No. 1 spot on the NACC Chart for almost seven weeks. Its album, “moisturizer,” released on July 11, delivers a witty “riot grrrl” sound fused with classic indie rock, featuring lyrics that resonate with themes of love and desire.
Think punk rock, angsty teen music meets puppy-dog love.
The band is led by frontwoman Rhian Teasdale and her partner, guitarist and co-songwriter Hester Chambers. They are joined by Henry Holmes on drums and percussion, Josh Mobaraki on rhythm guitar and keyboard and Ellis Durand on bass.
Teasdale and Chambers are known for their clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics in previous albums and singles, a signature style that continues throughout “moisturizer.” Their musical combination gives off vibes similar to The Breeders or even The Strokes, yet Teasdale’s distinctive feminine voice gives Wet Leg a sound entirely their own.
The leading track, “CPR,” sets the motion for the whole album, fast, fun and a bit frisky. Teasdale blurs the line between talking and singing, introducing the record’s central theme with witty lyrics and sharp musical effects. With the high-tempo beat, she toys with the idea of calling 911, turning lust and love into a medical emergency. If you’ve ever listened to Olivia Rodrigo’s “bad idea right?” from her “GUTS” album, the sound of “CPR” may feel strikingly familiar, yet with a more ’90s alt-rock edge.
There are cultural references sprinkled throughout the album as well, from “Davina McCall,” the TV personality best known for hosting the British version of Big Brother from 2000 to 2010, and other entertainment programs, to “Jennifer’s Body,” the 2009 comedy-horror film starring Megan Fox and even “Pokémon,” where Teasdale sings about her all-consuming love and obsession, yearning to spend every moment with her partner, all delivered with a punk-rock edge.
Catching listeners a bit off guard the five-piece band closes the album with “11:21,” a soulful, dreamy song that resembles something by Mitski, mixed with “Glory Box” from Portishead’s 1994 album “Dummy.” A favorite from the album, but a little heavier track is “catch these fists,” which strays a bit from a love ballad into an ode to the party scene.
Overall, “moisturizer” balances cheeky post-punk wit and indie-rock hooks, cementing Wet Leg’s place as one of the UK’s most exciting bands today.
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