Album Review: Wet Leg - 'Wet Leg'

Since the release of Wet Leg’s debut EP in 2021, which featured the stupidly catchy singles Chaise Longue and Wet Dream, their growing popularity has seen the band featured on Later… With Jools Holland in the UK and Late Night, The Tonight Show and NPR’s Tiny Desk in the US. So, there is understandable anticipation for their much-anticipated LP, which is impressive as far as debut albums go.

Included are the same versions of the aforementioned titles, plus three new singles, Oh No, Angelica and Ur Mum. Although not as immediately catchy as their predecessors, the new tracks help anchor the album’s '90s and early 2000s indie-pop sound. These singles and the buzz they have generated will only continue to grow the band’s popularity and newcomers will be hooked, but if you were a fan of the EP, the duplication may take away some of the awe of an otherwise impressive album. 

Other tracks that aren’t immediate hits but show songwriting nuance and depth include the opening song Being In Love and Convincing, both displaying a band who appear to be writing and arranging well beyond their years.

Founders Rhian Teasdale (lead singer) and Hester Chambers (lead guitar) hail from the Isle of Wight (home of the very underrated Bees) and although the group sound like they grew up in LA/NY and were made to be in a band, lyrically the album seems to be dealing with themes revolving around frustration at small-town living. Complementing these themes are a tight rhythm section and focused production, an engaging but elusive sound that’s all the band's own. 

Expect bigger and better things.