Band frontwoman Rhian Teasdale of Wet Leg delves into the making of the group's sophomore record, 'moisturizer'
In a refreshing turn of events, indie rock duo Wet Leg has just released their second album, titled "Moisturizer," showcasing a clear evolution from their 2022 self-titled debut in both sound and thematic approach. The new album, released in July 2025, expands their musical palette and emotional range, garnering widespread acclaim and even GRAMMY awards.
### A Sonic Journey Through the Decades
The new album features a blend of '80s post-punk and new wave influences, as evidenced in songs like "Pokemon." The album also showcases a variety of styles within indie rock, ranging from punk-adjacent sounds with grungy guitars ("Pillow Talk") to moodier and sonically richer numbers like "11:21." The album as a whole has a less confrontational and more relaxed feel compared to their debut, suggesting the band was more comfortable letting their creative instincts flow in the studio.
### A Mature and Personal Perspective
Compared to their debut, which had a more playful and confrontational style, "Moisturizer" presents themes through a reflective and grown-up lens. Singer Rhian Teasdale mentions that writing love songs requires giving more of oneself, suggesting a more personal and mature perspective in the new album. The album doesn't simply replicate the first but builds on it, showing the band’s willingness to explore different musical directions and emotional depths rather than sticking to purely accessible or commercial sounds.
### A Promise of Continued Artistic Growth
The nuanced maturity of "Moisturizer" suggests Wet Leg might continue exploring more pop or varied directions in their next work, indicating artistic growth and evolution. The band, consisting of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers from the Isle of Wight, who first gained international popularity with the release of their debut single "Chaise Longue" three years ago, has proven that they are not just energetic newcomers but confident songwriters with a broader sonic and emotional range.
The duo's success has not gone unnoticed, with invitations to play at massive festivals and even a joking mention from Steve Inskeep, host of MORNING EDITION from NPR News, about wanting some moisturizer after hearing about the album title. Despite their fame, both members have remained media-shy, with Rhian Teasdale being soft-spoken in interviews and Hester Chambers hiding her face during a photo shoot with The Guardian, answering questions only by email.
In conclusion, "Moisturizer" evolves Wet Leg’s sound by incorporating '80s post-punk elements and grungier indie rock layers while thematically moving towards a more personal and mature expression. The album balances continuity with experimentation, showing the band's growth from energetic newcomers to confident songwriters with a broader sonic and emotional range.
The wide acclaim and GRAMMY awards received by Wet Leg's new album, "Moisturizer," demonstrate its impact in the realm of contemporary news and entertainment. As such, music enthusiasts and critics alike eagerly anticipate the band's future releases and continued exploration of new creative directions.
Wet Leg's punk-adjacent and moodier Indie Rock styles, reminiscent of '80s post-punk and new wave influences, in "Moisturizer" provide a unique journey through the decades in the entertainment sphere, offering something fresh and exciting.
