Wet Leg ‘Moisturizer’ Review: Love, Lust, and a Bold New Level
Wet Leg ‘Moisturizer’ Review: Love, Lust, and a Bold New Level
Wet Leg’s ‘Moisturizer’ explores love, lust, and growth with fresh sounds that elevate their indie rock charm.
A Surreal Romance in Every Verse
Ever wondered what love would look like if it involved becoming the perfect partner—even if that meant turning into a marshmallow worm? That’s the whimsical question Wet Leg plays with on their sophomore album, Moisturizer. Rhian Teasdale, the band’s captivating lead, muses:
“So many creatures in the fucking world, How could I be your one? Be your marshmallow worm?”
This quirky, playful lyric captures the heart of the album—a blend of sweet affection and surreal imagery, showing Wet Leg's growth in both sound and storytelling.
From Sharp Sass to Gooey Affection
Wet Leg’s debut album skyrocketed them to indie stardom, earning them Grammy and BRIT nods with its cheeky takedowns of toxic men. Now, they've expanded beyond the original duo of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, welcoming Josh Mobaraki on guitar, Ellis Durand on bass, and Henry Holmes on drums. This lineup shift brings a deeper, fuller sound that softens the edges of their earlier sarcasm.
Inspired by Teasdale’s first queer relationship in 2021, Moisturizer ditches sharp barbs for endearing, sometimes absurd love lyrics. Take ‘Davina McCall’, for instance—a swooning track where Teasdale croons,
“You know that I would do anything for you. It’s like a dream come true, every day is spent trying to say something to make you smile.”
Or the grungy, swirling ‘Don’t Speak’, where she affectionately describes her partner as:
“The rock to my roll. You’re the sand between my toes. Sweet baby girl, we go like salsa and Doritos.”
Not Just Sweet—A Bit of Chaos Too
Love isn’t always sunshine, and Wet Leg doesn’t shy away from the darker side. The album kicks off with ‘CPR’, a track that captures self-destructive impulses and emotional confusion. Teasdale sings,
“Jump off the cliff because you told me to. Is it love or suicide?”
Her voice balances between nonchalance and turmoil, setting a raw tone for the album.
Then there’s the lusty ‘Pillow Talk’, an intense burst of desire with lyrics like,
“I can make you sticky, make you hot screaming for after sun. I can make you beg, can make you wet like an aquarium.”
It’s a fierce, bold exploration of passion that contrasts with the album’s softer moments.
Lingering Shadows of ‘Shitty Men’
Despite the new vibe, some old foes remain on the periphery. The fiery lead single, ‘Catch These Fists’, recounts a night spoiled by an unwelcome man’s attitude. Meanwhile, ‘Mangetout’ delivers a sharp, biting message:
“You say you’re lost at sea, call the RNLI. You’re washed up, irrelevant and standing in my light.”
These tracks keep Wet Leg’s signature sass and edge alive, balancing love with the reality of toxic interactions.
Hits and Misses
Not every song lands perfectly. Some lyrics get a bit repetitive—dreams and the “sweet and sour” contrasts come up a lot. The closing track, ‘11:21’, tries to change pace but slows down too much, feeling more like a dirge than a dynamic finale.
Still, after their explosive debut, Wet Leg proves they’re not afraid to evolve. They’ve crafted an album that’s smarter, sexier, and undeniably stronger. So, would we still love Wet Leg if they turned into a worm? With Moisturizer, the answer is a resounding yes.
Album Details
- Release date: July 11, 2025
- Record label: Domino
In Conclusion
Wet Leg’s Moisturizer is a captivating journey through fresh love and raw desire, wrapped in quirky, poetic lyrics and a richer sound. Whether you’re head over heels or just in it for the sass, this album proves the band is leveling up in every way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does ‘Moisturizer’ compare to Wet Leg’s debut album?
It’s softer and more romantic, moving away from the sharp, sarcastic tone of their first album to explore love and lust in a more surreal and affectionate way. - Who joined Wet Leg for this album?
The band expanded beyond Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers to include guitarist Josh Mobaraki, bassist Ellis Durand, and drummer Henry Holmes, enriching their sound. - What themes are prominent on ‘Moisturizer’?
Love in all its weird and wonderful forms, lust, self-reflection, and the occasional confrontation with toxic individuals. - Which songs stand out on the album?
‘Davina McCall’ for its swooning romance, ‘CPR’ for its emotional edge, and ‘Pillow Talk’ for raw desire are highlights. - Is ‘Moisturizer’ worth listening to if I loved the first album?
Absolutely. It’s a fresh take with new depths and textures that show Wet Leg growing as artists.
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