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How does Wet Leg roll out a new album? It’s just like “rolling out the doughnut”

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At Primavera Sound Barcelona, Rhian Teasdale, aged 32, steps out enshrouded in smoke, her appearance bathed in stage lights of an orange hue, dramatically spreading her arms aloft. Perched above the microphone, she unveils bleached eyebrows and hair transitioning from brown roots to pink. Her attire stands out against a white trimmed shirt and neon fishnet leggings – a bold departure from the bohemian fashion trend that dominated with the release of “Wet Leg” in 2022.

Anybody attending their five-piece rock concert in 2025 would recognize that this group has undergone a visual transformation compared to their appearance three years prior.

Five years back, we produced the ‘Chaise Longue’ video,” Teasdale explains. “People may have had a specific perception of you, but over time, you evolve, you transform.

It’s intriguing how strongly people anticipate consistency in others, and yet, evolving and transforming oneself is often perceived as a significant declaration.

Additionally, she acknowledges that she unconsciously selected her previous clothing due to unease. Now, having grown more comfortable within herself, she is able to adopt a more genuine and authentic style.

She muses, “I didn’t desire to be objectified by men. The concept of exposing any skin and potentially being perceived as catering to the male gaze filled me with discomfort, leading me to want to conceal myself and avoid attracting attention.

As a cinephile, it wasn’t a deliberate switch that happened suddenly, but looking back, I can identify certain moments that have given me the freedom for greater self-expression.

Despite its quirky and rustic vibe, their self-titled first release deserved the positive response it garnered, boasting captivating songs like “Chaise Longue” and “Wet Dream.” In the video for “Wet Dream,” Teasdale and Chambers famously dance in long blue dresses with lobster claw gloves. However, it was “Chaise Longue” that earned a Grammy in the alternative music performance category; the band also took home an award for best alternative music album.

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Originating from the Isle of Wight, this pair has unexpectedly emerged and captured American rock enthusiasts with their clever blend of sharp melodies and dry humor.

Despite being isolated on an island with only 140,000 residents, the ascent of Wet Leg was astonishingly swift. Teasdale notes that the lives of the natives of Isle of Wight underwent a significant transformation: she had been an assistant stylist for commercials in London, Durand was erecting scaffolding, Holmes was instructing surfing, Mobaraki worked at a café, and Chambers had joined the family business making jewelry.

In reality, that “slightly drowsy and limited” British isle, famed for its stunning shores, is essentially just a tiny speck in the English Channel, often overshadowed by the mainland’s vastness.

Teasdale mentions that you’ll need to travel by boat to reach the island as there are no bridges or tunnels available for transportation.

Despite relocating to London at age 18 and leaving it behind, she mentions that Chambers, Mobaraki, and Durand continue to reside there. Similarly, Holmes hastily traveled to the city as well.

In simpler terms, Teasdale expresses that we’re all leading our everyday lives when suddenly, we find ourselves traveling the globe. It’s a surreal experience to attend events like the Grammy Awards and see celebrities who were once only seen on TV, leaving one feeling quite out of place.

Initially, they may appear accustomed to fame upon their return for their second album titled “Moisturizer.” However, this new record exhibits a greater depth of sonic expression, authenticity, and rawness compared to its predecessor. While the catchy tunes like “Chaise Longue” and “Wet Dream” remain captivating, it’s clear that the group has undergone significant evolution, which is evident throughout the entire 12-track collection.

The song “CPR,” the second track off the album, starts things off with its smooth rhythm. According to Teasdale, it’s like walking up to a great height and leaping into the unknown depths of love. This theme of longing is prevalent throughout “Moisturizer,” making it seem like an emotional tribute to a heart in pain. “CPR” serves as a starting point for the other songs that followed.

This [lyric] is similar to the word ‘liquefy,’ which carries an emotional longing, filled with questioning in sorrow, as expressed in the lyric, “So many creatures in this world / How could I be your one?” In contrast to the rougher tune of “Jennifer’s Body,” Teasdale’s gentle delivery comes through to convey, “Every day begins and ends with you / Hold me tight, I get high on you.” Later, Teasdale steps back, allowing Chambers’ guitar to take center stage and wail loudly.

In Teasdale’s own words, “Previously, I had no desire to write love songs for my current partner because I hadn’t been interested. Prior to this relationship, I only dated men, and the abundance of love songs from a heteronormative viewpoint left me completely uninterested.

Concerning my change of feelings: “It seems like love has struck me quite powerfully this time… I’m utterly and completely smitten.

Interestingly enough, she likens the album release process this time to an unusual job she found herself in before the band’s rise. Teasdale, formerly a baker, describes their debut as similar to “starting a new job and being asked to make doughnuts right away.

She explains, chuckling, “Since you’re clueless about the location of things, I’ll need to guide you – showing you where we keep the cookie cutters and the box of sugar.” Using a playful analogy, she continues, “It’s like working on an album release or making doughnuts – you have to roll out the ‘album’, ‘doughnut’, and in this case, the dough too.

One standout track on the album is their third single, titled “davina mccall.” This tune is relaxing and ethereal, drawing inspiration from the well-known British figure, Davina McCall, who gained fame as a TV host on “Big Brother.” The band member, Teasdale, recalls watching the show in the 2000s and being captivated by McCall’s catchphrase, “This is Davina, I’m coming to get you,” which she would say when a contestant was eliminated.

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In a rather theatrical instance, she mentioned that it would be similar to Davina McCall coming for you. It’s just a playful way of saying she’d find you no matter where you are.

According to Teasdale, McCall graciously attended a concert by the band Wet Leg, following their announcement that they’d penned a song with her name in it. Fortunately, she was incredibly friendly and offered “absolutely wonderful” hugs.

Fans can take delight in the fact that the band has preserved their distinctive, witty approach to lyrics. On “mangetout,” Teasdale sings a provocative line such as “You want to sleep with me? / I know, many do,” accompanied by a smooth melody, and on “pillow talk,” he admits “Every night I sleep with my pillow / I wish it was you.

She explains that the muscular sound prevalent in this album is due to a group of five individuals who’ve been touring almost non-stop for close to three years. Regarding her humor, she feels it will remain constant, as it seems nearly impossible for her to abandon it.

Over the recent tracks, the pace of the album becomes distinctly slower. The song “11:21” stands out with its raw beauty and power in its minimalistic nature. The title itself is a nod to the day when Teasdale first met her partner, as she sings, “Time moves on / Yet I feel just as strongly about you since the moment we first crossed paths.

As a film enthusiast, I find myself grappling between two phrases that don’t quite encapsulate the unique charm of “Moisturizer.” The first, “don’t speak,” falls short of conveying the same essence that permeates the rest of the album. The second, “you and me at home,” is the album’s concluding track, showcasing some of Chambers’ finest performances. It serves as a poignant goodbye to an exceptional project.

According to Teasdale, having a deep connection with someone implies that communication becomes effortless and enjoyable; it feels like the most natural interaction.

The “Moisturizer” album is set to release on various streaming platforms and music stores on July 11th. With high expectations, it could potentially surpass its initial success. After three years, the band seems more polished than ever, and judging by their recent performances, they are poised to deliver an electrifying show during their North American tour starting in September. The tour includes a stop in Los Angeles on October 17th.

Teasdale is really looking forward to sharing the remainder of the album with everyone, as it’s full of enjoyable tracks,” he says. “Since we designed it for live performances, I can’t wait until it’s no longer a hidden gem.

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2025-07-03 19:31

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