War, pestilence, famine, death. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my fill of them all. So what better time to visit the genuinely sunny uplands – the long-anticipated second album from Wet Leg.
My, those seemingly demure, Amish-styled girls have grown (see the demonic cover, replete with scary talons and an unhinged-looking Rhian Teasdale). They’ve officially supplemented the line-up with the three very hairy boys who’ve been playing with them on live shows and everybody’s been involved in the writing. And everything’s turned out very well indeed.
Superlative singles “CPR” and “catch these fists” (a star was almost deducted for the aversion to capital letters and American spelling of the title, but...) remind us of their ability to absolutely nail a feisty three-minute pop song. The third release, gently lilting “davina mccall” (“I’m coming to get you”), is a much more delicate proposition with echoes of George Harrison in the guitar hook and hints at what’s in store from the rest of the album – love songs. But not as you know them.
Never fear, there’s still room for their particular brand of cynicism and some excellent poking of the male bear – anthemic “mange tout” has the lyrics “Nice try. Get out the way. You’re in our way, You bottom feeder… get lost forever”. Go girls! Rhian Teasdale is transformed, rocking one hell of a sexy look these days. Barely there shorts, underboob, bleached everything, knee socks, tatts and grills – making her very much the frontwoman. In turn, this allows co-founder Hester Chambers to hide in plain sight. But that doesn’t mean a reduced role – Chambers is the only member to get sole writing credits (on “pond song” and “don’t speak”). Aside from lead guitar, she’s also credited with playing the pocket piano and tin whistle. Despite already winning three Grammys and two Brits, she says “It’s still not fully sunken in that this band is our full-time job, since making music was always slotted in around work and life before.” Perhaps that’s why this “difficult second album” is such a success – there’s neither complacency nor conformity here.
Some other highlights include “pokemon” – a gorgeous, understated, uplifting love song which is a million miles from their usual wry take on romance. “11.21” is a slow-paced, hauntingly beautiful love song with a sultry bass line, where Teasdale’s incredible voice soars to another, angelic level. Truly spell-binding.
“u and me at home” is a fitting end to this diamond of an album. A celebration of simply being at home with the one you love, it sees all five members singing the chorus in unison – it almost brings a tear to the eye. Who’d have thought the purveyors of “Chaise Longue” and “Wet Dream” would end up in this glorious place?
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