IN REVIEW: Wet Leg - S/T

 

It's rare that such hype can come from such an unassuming place; Chaise Longue, released in June 2021 and still gaining traction in some sectors, took what could have been explained as a cheeky novelty single and generated heaps of anticipation for its new, intriguing artists. This hype was built upon by follow-up efforts Wet Dream and Too Late Now, two equally exciting singles that were also perhaps a bit less divisive when compared to the admittedly silly Chaise Longue. As the months passed and more pre-release singles found their way into the world (between streaming services and live shows, pretty much the entire thing was out there before release day), Wet Leg started being perceived less as a fun little group and more as a formidable new force in indie rock.

Ultimately, this level of hype does the album no favours; even though the blend of power pop, indie snark and millennial anxiety is consistently listenable, there isn't really anything here to signal the duo (Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, accompanied by a three-piece backing band) as heirs to the throne, at least not yet. To be sure, there are glimpses into a greatness that feels primed to emerge on future releases; one cannot deny the sheer melodic and humourous brilliance that shimmer when the pieces fit just right. Those three lead-in singles all boast an undeniable tunefulness that, when combined with Teasdale's insights on anxious modern life and the treacherous navigation of relationships, pack a wallop akin to some of recent history's most exciting and revered indie bands. Think something in the neighbourhood of Arctic Monkeys' snapshot-of-life early work intersecting with the '90s throwback slacker tones of Pavement and you're on your way.

What, then, holds Wet Leg's debut back from instant classic status? Well, to me, it feels like there's still some distance to cover when it comes to carving out their path. For example: I Don't Wanna Go Out, while interesting and pleasant, cribs the lead guitar from David Bowie's The Man Who Sold the World and inserts it into an otherwise unremarkable dream-pop leaning hazy rocker. Convincing, sung by Chambers in a rare lead role, isn't egregiously different but is notably so, resulting in a moment that isn't terribly off-putting but does inevitably take disrupt the flow. 

Also, as much as there aren't any true duds, some of the branching out doesn't quite reach its likely intended destination. Loving You, with its laid back guitar work and processed beat, doesn't offer much under its surface aside from a faint accordion and a light brushing of keys; as a departure it is notable, but where it goes just isn't all that interesting. Likewise Piece of Shit, drawing once again from the well of broken relationships and their aftermaths but only managing to wrap those emotions in a Nirvana-lite pastiche and giving Teasdale a chance to give the album's most puzzling vocal performance; given closer care it could have become a rallying cry for jilted lovers the world over, but in its current form it feels a bit half baked.

However, the majority of these tunes are winners, and I reiterate the sentiment that much of what falls short here can be easily chalked up to first-time jitters. I can completely see the hype, and I have every confidence that we'll be well and truly blown away by Wet Leg at some point in the not-too-distant future; I'm looking forward to that but, in this instance, it's best to temper your expectations and just enjoy the feeling of experiencing a very promising young band in its infancy.

April 8, 2022 • Domino

Highlights Chaise Longue • Wet Dream • Too Late Now