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Wet Leg: Davina’s favourite band are coming to get you. And second album, Moisturizer, proves that the Isle of Wight indie rockers are no one-hit wonders, says Adrian Thrills

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WET LEG: Moisturizer (Domino)

Verdict: Cream of the crop

BENSON BOONE: American Heart (Warner)

Verdict: Heartland rock goes pop

Initially, there was an air of novelty around Wet Leg when the Island duo, Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, from the Isle of Wight, started garnering attention with their quirky 2021 debut single, “Chaise Longue”. Having met at a music college, they showed undeniable talent, but their name hinted at a touch of silliness. It seemed like they might be destined for one-hit-wonder fame.

After four years, they’ve become a more substantial contender. Although they aren’t from the usual epicenter of rock ‘n’ roll, Wet Leg is nearly ready to join the major leagues.

Ever since Chaise Longue, they have been dominating the UK album charts, garnering two BRIT Awards and two Grammys, sharing stages with Harry Styles in stadiums and ruling the world’s festivals, including the recent Glastonbury. Their upcoming second album, Moisturizer, set for release next week, marks a substantial leap forward.

With the three male musicians who were previously touring with Teasdale and Chambers now officially joining Wet Leg as full-time members, this five-piece band has become a seasoned troupe on the road. And fear not about any potential second album jitters for Moisturizer; instead, they deliver an album that’s less whimsical than their self-titled debut from 2022 but solidifies their place in indie-pop music while blending dance music and grand pop ballads.

The band, who chose their name by randomly selecting emojis, relocated to the refined coastal town of Southwold in Suffolk to create their album. During the day, they focused on writing music, while at night they enjoyed watching horror movies. Their passion for gothic films has led to a few eerie elements. The album cover showcases Chambers and Teasdale with grotesque claws, and Teasdale flaunts a wicked grin. Additionally, one of the songs was influenced by the cult horror film Jennifer’s Body.

Apart from these exceptions, love-related matters seem to be the main focus. The songs can be divided into two categories: those that express joyful feelings of mutual affection within a relationship and those that politely decline unwanted romantic advances.

In this situation, CPR finds Rhian exploring the intricacies of a fresh romance. She sings, ‘I hesitated, leapt from the edge at your command,’ which can be interpreted as, ‘Am I experiencing love or am I taking a risky leap?’

A love song has been titled in honor of Davina McCall, a devoted fan of Wet Leg, and employs her famous Big Brother phrase (“I’m coming to get you“) to convey intense affection.

On the track “Catch These Fists,” there’s a sharper tone, featuring dance-punk rhythms that express defiance against an unwanted suitor. In the lyrics, Teasdale sings about how this situation often occurs late at night when some man approaches, claiming she fits his type.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve got to say, the rhythm shifts towards the finale of their album take me by surprise and delight! The disco-infused ‘Pokemon’ is a wistful love ballad that echoes with sweet sentimentality (‘your kiss is all I crave, your taste is like nectarous grenadine’). And then there’s ’11:21′, an electronic melody that underscores Teasdale’s evolving confidence as a leading lady. Gone are the days of their playful whims, now Wet Leg are all about the long game!

 

It might be surprising to learn that American singer Benson Boone, who briefly appeared on American Idol in 2021, has hidden depths. Despite this, he managed to release the UK’s second-biggest single of 2024, titled Beautiful Things, which was only surpassed by Noah Kahan’s Stick Season. His music and demeanor give off an impression of thoughtfulness, introspection… and perhaps a touch of being understated.

Last year, I thought I knew what to anticipate when he performed a packed show at Kentish Town Forum. But within just a few moments, he showed his unique flair by executing a daring backflip from the top of a speaker cabinet. His dynamic performance was equally noticeable when he opened for Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium the previous summer.

Brian May, who has played live with him, calls him ‘a golden prodigy’.

In his second release, titled “American Heart,” he endeavors to incorporate working-class rock into his collection of songs. He confesses that Bruce Springsteen served as an inspiration, yet the Americana sound he presents might be likened more to The Killers, with a hint of Harry Styles’s delicate pop influence. There are robust tracks, along with some that lean towards the ordinary. What truly shines is his powerful, resonant singing voice.

The tunes, penned jointly by Boone, aged 23, along with his partner Jack LaFrantz, carry a heartwarming charm.

In one song, referred to as Mr. Electric Blue, the artist honors his father, a man of strength and hard work, an embodiment of American values. Another track, titled Momma Song, features piano and strings, where he expresses his longing for his mother while away on tours.

In other songs, he grapples with themes of masculinity on “The Man In Me” and recalls a past romance on “Take Me Home.” There’s also a feeling of longing in “Reminds Me Of You,” where Boone mentions various things that trigger memories of an old love – items like flip-phones, coffee, a New York performance, and surprisingly, a famous mouthwash brand.

However, it’s his captivating performances that outshine everything else, even when working with somewhat ordinary content. He excels on Mystical Magical, reimagining Olivia Newton-John’s 1981 hit Physical, and performs the title track with panache. In the song, he expresses his fears about the current state of the world, worrying if we’ll survive our twenties: “We’re living in some crazy times, and I get so scared we’ll never make it through our 20s.” Brian May’s confidence in him is well-founded.

On July 11th, you can find the moisturizer available. At the same time, Wet Leg will perform at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow (check wetlegband.com for details). As of now, American Heart is already out there. Benson Boone kicks off a UK tour at SSE Arena, Belfast, starting October 23rd (tickets available on ticketmaster.co.uk).

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2025-07-03 21:33

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