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Photo: Iriz Luz

With deafening guitars and sopping lyrics of queer truth, Wet Leg continues the humble service of preserving the golden age of indie rock.

moisturizer is the newest offering from the English act, their first fully formed album since achieving massive success from their self-titled debut. Not many bands casually earn a couple of Grammys off their inaugural effort, though that simply speaks to the genius that is Wet Leg. There is no other band with their grit and specificity, the only ones who can satiate that fix.

Consisting of 12 tracks, moisturizer is every bit as fun as its predecessor, though palpably more refined. Its hue skews a bit richer, with deeper tones making up Wet Leg’s reintroduction. Rather than scrambling to ride the momentum of their unexpected success and the fandom they gained while touring with Harry Styles, the band opted to take their time. To be intentional about crafting their next work, and to preserve the integrity of their tried and true ingredient—fun. Three years later, moisturizer is born.

The project is deeply feminine, the inner dermis of womanhood where rage, love, and destruction co-exist. moisturizer is gentle and unforgiving, bold and playful. In the time since we’ve last heard from them, lead singer Rhian Teasdale has come out as queer, openly in a loving relationship with her non-binary partner. This informs much of the album’s explorative nature, dissecting the blooming of her identity and the influx of new emotions that accompany meeting your true self for the first time.

From “davina mccall” to “Pokemon,” every song unveils a deeper layer of yearning. “u and me at home” is an electrifying conclusion to the journey of moisturizer, a celebration of the simplicity of true love. When the feelings are raw and penetrating, there is no need for grandiosity—only the gift of their company and somewhere where you can comfortably stare.

In reflection of all that it took to bring moisturizer to life, the band shares via Instagram, “This record came out of lots of late night demoing, strange little jams, trips to the pier and the dumbest of in-jokes. Mostly it is the result of the five of us hanging out with no big plan. Just following a feeling and seeing where it took us. We’re so proud of the weird little world we built together.” 

Listen to moisturizer below: