Moisturizer Finds Wet Leg Sharpening Their Irreverent Indie Edge
Their debut single, Chaise Lounge, catapulted them to success back in 2021, but their latest offering, new album Moisturizer, sees the five-piece reach dizzying new heights.
Wet Leg emerged with a distinctive indie rock sound characterised by playful, tongue-in-cheek lyrics that divided listeners upon the release of their self-titled debut album.
On Moisturizer, the band continues to craft a unique sound by fusing jangly indie rock with danceable rhythms – a formula that feels even more confident and polished this time around. Pop culture references—such as the memorable Mean Girls nod in Chaise Longue with the line, “Would you like us to assign someone to butter your muffin?” – carry over into Moisturizer, adding an extra layer of fun for listeners in the know.
Starting the album with CPR, the band’s distinctive style shows through this track. Shortly followed by third track, Catch These Fists, it’s clear that this album channels raw energy into a loud, defiant anthem made for the stage. With its driving percussion and punchy guitars, the track brims with aggression, perfectly matching the fiery chorus line: “I don’t want your love, I just wanna fight.” The pounding, almost violent drums underscore the emotional intensity, making it one of the album’s most visceral and cathartic moments.
Track two, Liquidize, offers a welcome change of pace, delivering a more subdued take on Wet Leg’s signature indie sound. Nestled among the album’s more raucous moments, it provides a moment of calm, showcasing the band’s ability to balance energy with restraint. Similarly, track seven, Pokemon, leans into a breezier, more nostalgic mood—its title alone evokes a sense of youthful escapism, which is mirrored in the track’s airy melodies and understated instrumentation.
Unlike the intense drums and distorted guitars that dominate much of the album, Pokemon opts for a gentler sonic palette, creating a relaxed and dreamy atmosphere. The result? A track that feels tailor-made for a summer road trip – easygoing yet emotionally resonant.
Pillow Talk follows Pokemon, and immediately returns with the loud indie rock drums and guitars which Wet Leg have become renowned for. This track stands out with a noticeably rougher, grittier edge compared to the rest of the album, leaning heavily into a more aggressive, rock-driven sound. The distorted guitars, heavier rhythms, and raw vocal delivery highlight Wet Leg’s ability to move beyond their playful indie-pop roots and embrace a bolder, more hard-hitting aesthetic. It’s a compelling showcase of the band’s range, proving they’re just as adept at crafting fierce, high-energy rock tracks as they are at delivering clever, laid-back tunes.
Davina McCall presents itself as a quirky, whimsical love song with a dreamy, ethereal sound. Through a series of romantic vignettes, the track imagines an idealised life with a lover, offering a softer, more introspective moment on the album. And positioned after the explosive energy of Catch These Fists, it provides a gentle contrast that helps to maintain the album’s dynamic flow and enhances the overall listening experience.
Track four, Jennifer’s Body, further showcases Wet Leg’s talent for weaving pop culture references into their songwriting. Inspired by the cult classic film of the same name, the song delves into themes of sexual exploration, obsession, and the intensity of young love. It’s a striking example of how the band balances levity with emotional depth – playful and irreverent on the surface, yet layered with vulnerability and self-reflection beneath.
Wet Leg’s ability to shift between cheeky, lighthearted lyricism and genuinely meaningful themes – often within the same album – is one of their greatest strengths. Their songwriting captures the complexities of modern relationships, identity, and youth with both humour and sincerity, adding a richness to Moisturizer that invites repeat listens.
However, it’s Mangetout that is a true highlight on this album, with the strengths of Wet Leg as a band coming to play on this song, its quirky lyrics and catchy indie sound fuse seamlessly together on this track. The song does not take itself too seriously, as the best songs from this band do, focusing on a mysterious magic bean, “I gave you magic beans, I hope you’re gonna get out soon.”
The penultimate track, 11:21 is a moving ballad which highlights the vocal ability of Teasdale. There is a shift from what you would expect Wet Leg to offer in this song, however, it is executed incredibly well and demonstrates the band’s ability to shift into different sounds and explore other avenues vocally.
The final track, u and me at home, closes off the album with a sound that is authentically Wet Leg, and once again highlights that strength in creating a strong, catchy indie tune where all elements of the song work together to produce a result that is always uniquely Wet Leg.
With Moisturizer, Wet Leg builds confidently on the strengths of their debut – most notably their distinctive blend of irreverent, tongue-in-cheek lyricism and infectious indie rock sonics. The album refines and expands their sound, solidifying their place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary indie music.
Fans will have the chance to hear Moisturizer live during Wet Leg’s upcoming US and UK tour in autumn 2025, which includes a highly anticipated performance at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on 13 November
