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Wet Leg Discusses New Album 'Moisturizer', Queer Love, and Navigating Fame

about 1 year agoGB
Wet Leg Discusses New Album 'Moisturizer', Queer Love, and Navigating FameSource: theguardian.com
Isle of Wight indie sensations Wet Leg, comprised of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers alongside their live band, shot to fame seemingly overnight with their quirky 2021 debut single "Chaise Longue." Their self-titled debut album topped charts and swept awards shows, earning them two Grammys and two Brit Awards. Now, the band is back, announcing their sophomore album, "Moisturizer," set for release on July 11th, and giving fans a taste with the new single "Catch These Fists." They're navigating their whirlwind success, personal discoveries, and evolving their sound.

Key Insights

New Album: Wet Leg's second album, "Moisturizer," arrives on July 11th, produced with Dan Carey.

New Single: The lead single, "Catch These Fists," is out now, accompanied by a music video shot on the Isle of Wight, and was recently performed live on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*.

Thematic Shift: The album moves away from the debut's sarcasm towards more direct, often joyous love songs, inspired significantly by Teasdale's relationship and exploration of queer identity.

Collaborative Writing: Unlike the debut, "Moisturizer" was written collaboratively by the full five-piece band (Teasdale, Chambers, Henry Holmes, Joshua Mobaraki, Ellis Durand), focusing on creating songs that are fun to play live.

Navigating Fame: The band reflects on the "weird dream" of sudden success, dealing with homesickness, media attention, and Chambers managing anxiety amidst the demands of touring and performing.

UK Tour: A five-date UK tour has been announced for May 2025.

Why this matters: Wet Leg's journey highlights the pressures and changes facing breakout bands. Their new music signals a significant artistic evolution, embracing vulnerability and romance while retaining their energetic core, offering insight into personal identity within the creative process.

In-Depth Analysis

Wet Leg's rapid ascent following "Chaise Longue" felt almost anachronistic in the modern music landscape. They went from hopefuls working regular jobs to chart-toppers playing festivals like Coachella (joining Dave Grohl onstage) and supporting massive acts like Foo Fighters and Harry Styles. Their debut album captured a specific moment with its deadpan delivery and sharp, often sarcastic wit.

"Moisturizer" promises a different flavour. Written during a focused period in an Airbnb in Southwold, Suffolk, the band prioritized crafting songs meant for the energy of live performance. Teasdale notes a shift towards romance, largely inspired by meeting her non-binary partner in late 2021. "I thought I was straight all of my life until I met my current partner — these love songs are about them," she shared, finding it "empowering to be writing love songs where I’m not lusting over a man." This personal journey infuses the album, touching on themes of queer love, epiphanies, and even domesticity, as seen in the track "Davina McCall," named after the iconic UK TV presenter who was an early fan of the band.

While Teasdale embraces this new lyrical direction, Hester Chambers continues to navigate the challenges of fame, particularly social anxiety. She acknowledges the fear but finds strength in performing alongside Teasdale, noting, "Rhian said to me, feel the fear and do it anyway. That’s helped a lot." The band's dynamic relies on mutual support, forged from their shared roots on the Isle of Wight. This collaborative spirit extended to the writing process for "Moisturizer," involving the entire band and aiming for a muscular, danceable sound hinted at in "Catch These Fists," with potential nods to influences like Nine Inch Nails or Björk.

FAQs

Q: When is Wet Leg's new album coming out?

A: Their second album, "Moisturizer," is scheduled for release on July 11th.

Q: What is the first single from the new album?

A: The lead single is titled "Catch These Fists."

Q: Are Wet Leg going on tour?

A: Yes, they have announced UK tour dates for May 2025 and are scheduled for several festival appearances this summer, including Glastonbury and Primavera Sound.

Q: How is the new album different from their debut?

A: "Moisturizer" leans more into romance and love songs, inspired by Rhian Teasdale's personal experiences. It was also written collaboratively with the full band with a focus on creating energetic tracks for live shows, potentially moving slightly away from the debut's pervasive sarcasm.

Key Takeaways

Wet Leg is embracing change, evolving their sound from indie quirkiness towards more direct, romance-fueled anthems on their upcoming album "Moisturizer."

Rhian Teasdale's personal journey with love and identity is a central theme, offering a more vulnerable side to the band's songwriting.

The band continues to navigate the complexities of rapid fame and mental health, emphasizing mutual support within the group.

Expect energetic, danceable tracks designed for live performance. Check out "Catch These Fists" now and mark July 11th for the album release. UK fans can look forward to their tour in May 2025.

Discussion

Wet Leg's shift towards more romantic themes marks a clear evolution. What do you think of Wet Leg's new direction? Let us know!

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