★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

English indie rock band Wet Leg’s second album, “moisturizer”, embodies the playful irreverence and catchy charm of their Grammy-winning self-titled debut, while delving deeper into emotional and musical maturity.

I loved their debut. Chaise Lounge ended up being my 5th favorite song of 2022 (https://dpmk.in/1t9LRM984Q).

With this follow-up, the band confidently evolves beyond the viral buzz of the initial breakthrough. Here, they really do offer listeners a record that’s vibrant, witty, and notably sincere.

Opening

From the opening track, CPR, it’s clear that Wet Leg isn’t just repeating their last formula. The song pulsates with funky rhythms and vibrant guitars, establishing an energetic, danceable tone that persists throughout much of the album. Frontwoman Rhian Teasdale’s vocals are confident and captivating, reflecting a band entirely comfortable in its identity and direction. Her playful lyricism shines here:

As with their first album, humor and cheekiness remain core elements of the band’s personality. This is notable on tracks like mangetout, which gleefully flaunts provocative lyrics with a mischievous grin. This track exemplifies the band’s signature wit, serving as an infectious anthem of self-assurance, layered with catchy hooks that easily get stuck in your head:

“You think I’m pretty, you think I’m pretty cool. You wanna fuck me, I know, most people do.

Here, take this packet, you read it, it says, Mangetout”

Yet the heart of “moisturizer“ lies in its willingness to open up emotionally. Songs like davina mccall and u and me at home offer tender explorations of love, nostalgia, and vulnerability, revealing a softer side of Wet Leg. These tracks show a more introspective songwriting approach. They highlight Teasdale’s growth as a lyricist. She can move effortlessly between wry humor and sincere reflection. On davina mccall, the lyrics gently reveal heartfelt longing:

“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….

Dreams end too soon when I’m with you. I’d go to hell and back just to spend an hour with you.”

One of the standout moments arrives with catch these fists, a fiery anthem against unwanted advances. Here, the band fuses feminist defiance with sharp punk energy, creating a track that’s both empowering and irresistibly fun. It’s a statement of personal strength delivered with a buoyant spirit, capturing the balance of joy and anger in a way few bands manage with such ease:

“You should be careful, do you catch my drift?

‘Cause what I really want to know is, can you catch these fists?”

“I know all too well just what you’re like

I don’t want your love, I just wanna fight.”

Musically, the band has expanded significantly. Wet Leg has transformed from a core duo into a robust five-piece lineup. Their sound on “moisturizer” feels fuller, richer, and more dynamic. The album benefits immensely from this expansion, delivering energetic guitar riffs, pulsating basslines, and rhythmic complexity that elevate every track. Producer Dan Carey, who worked with them on their debut, ensures that the band’s newfound sonic depth complements their inherent charm. He absolutely maintains the immediacy that fans loved in their earlier work.

Themes of queer romance and self-discovery are notably prevalent throughout the record, adding layers of authenticity and resonance. Teasdale openly channels her personal experiences into these songs. This makes tracks like pokémon resonate deeply with listeners navigating their own emotional journeys. It’s refreshing to hear such honest, intimate storytelling blended seamlessly with the band’s playful personality. As she told Variety recently, “Queer Love is so interesting to me right now.“

“Tell me what you want, I’ll be what you want. You just gotta choose me, baby, yeah, I’ll be your Pokémon.”

The final track, u and me at home is more of a hushed, melancholic closer. It swaps Wet Leg’s usual irony for raw vulnerability. Washed in reverb and gentle guitar, it captures the ache of domestic stillness, where comfort and loneliness quietly coexist.

Lyrically sparse but emotionally rich, it’s a soft, dreamlike farewell that lingers long after it ends.

Despite its clear evolution, the album remains accessible and immediately enjoyable, ensuring existing fans won’t feel alienated. The melodies remain infectious, the choruses memorable, and the attitude distinctly playful, all hallmarks of Wet Leg’s magnetic appeal. Some listeners might wish for cleaner production. At certain moments, layers occasionally blur the clarity of the band’s tight performance.

Conclusion

Overall, “moisturizer” confidently sidesteps the common sophomore-album pitfalls, offering a compelling and genuinely enjoyable listening experience. Wet Leg has successfully grown their sound, deepened their lyrical approach, and retained their unique ability to charm. This record cements their position as more than a fleeting indie sensation. Wet Leg is here to stay. 

“moisturizer” is the exhilarating proof.

My favorites: CPR, catch these fists, davina mccall, jennifer’s body, liquidize, mangetout, song, u and me at home.

My least favorites: 11:20, pillow talk.

…Spotify preview…

… or better, just buy it here: https://wetleg.bandcamp.com/album/moisturizer

Chris Garrod, July 18, 2025