Wet Leg: "Wet Leg" (Album Review)

Genres: Indie Rock, Post-Punk Revival, Indie Pop

Wet Leg’s eponymous album makes a striking statement for their debut. There’s a lot of personality shown in the deadpan delivery of the sarcastic and satirical lines. Mixing melodic bass riffs with harsher or more vibrant sounds adds a lot of texture to the record, which really helps it to stand out. The expressive and playful nature of each song not only catches your attention but keeps your interest as well. Although rough around the edges, Wet Leg feels like a measured album, with a surprising level of execution to match the duo’s thoughtfulness. The result is a sound that feels ‘theirs’ and melodies that range from chill to spirited. “Chaise Longue” almost forces you to get up and dance, with its pounding guitar riffs and catchy chorus. On the other hand, “Angelica” is aggressive yet somehow still grounded. This range of sound could still be further explored, as there can be a lack of change throughout some songs. “Oh No” is pulsating and stuttering, but the weight isn’t built to go anywhere, leaving a feeling of awkwardness. Change and diversity help to create nuance, and there are spaces across the record that feel empty because of their stagnation. As Wet Leg continue to work as a band and explore new avenues, it will only make their excellent sounds more three-dimensional. Whether it’s talking about buttered muffins or going to college and getting “the big D”, the lyrics on Wet Leg are endlessly witty, provocative, and entertaining. Part of what makes the lyrics so memorable is how they contain references that are relatable and modern without feeling dated. “Angelica” and “Wet Dreams” both mention social media in different ways. In “Angelica”, “the ‘Gram” is directly mentioned in a way that makes sense because of the surrounding lines about poor connections with people. “Wet Dreams” indirectly references a specific Instagram account about ‘softbois’, which enhances the meaning of the song for those who understand it, and isn’t a distraction for those who don't. The strength of such malleable writing is felt as the slightly different approaches for each song make a lasting impression. Wet Leg introduce themselves on this album with a bang, and although they settle into a position of familiarity, a flame can be felt from within the record. At their best, Wet Leg presents an enchanting sound that’s accompanied by snappy lyrics. At their worst, the charm of their lyrics is still there, but some of the magic is lost through the sense of complacency. Even so, this is a great first project by the band and I hope to hear further exploration and development of what was introduced here. If the flame that’s inside Wet Leg continues to be nurtured, then I can only expect even greater things from the duo.

Favorite Tracks: Being In Love, Wet Dream, Angelica, Chaise Longue, Ur Mum, Too Late Now

Least Favorites: Oh No

Enjoyment: Low 8

Critically: Low 8

Arbitrary Number: 8.2/10