Wet Leg, one of the hottest indie bands globally, had a frontwoman Rhian Teasdale who was guitar-unskilled prior to the formation of the band.
In a surprising yet exciting turn of events, the indie rock duo Wet Leg has recently expanded their musical horizons by incorporating metal guitars into their repertoire. This shift, far from being a deliberate move towards metal music, is a natural evolution influenced by their love for guitar-driven music and a desire to break free from established musical insecurities and limitations.
The band's co-founder, Hester Chambers, an accomplished guitarist before Wet Leg was formed, explains that their approach to guitar isn't about technical mastery but about embracing the energy and fun of guitar music. Bands like The Strokes, Kings of Leon, and Big Thief have been a significant inspiration, pushing them to experiment with heavier, more distorted tones characteristic of metal guitars.
This broadening instrumental and stylistic approach can be heard on Wet Leg's sophomore album, Moisturizer, released on July 11, 2023. The album, created as a fuller five-piece band, showcases a more diverse range of guitar sounds, enriching their indie rock foundation.
The trend of incorporating metal guitar elements into non-metal music is reflective of a broader openness within indie and alternative music. Bands are using metal guitar tones for their expressiveness, intensity, and to inject fresh energy, distancing themselves from being "kitschy" or confined to a single sound. The use of metal guitars thus serves as a tool for non-metal bands to innovate and deepen their musical identity.
Wet Leg, one of the hottest indie guitar rock acts on the planet in a few short years, is no exception. Their performance at the Glastonbury Festival was lauded, with Rhian Teasdale, now the main vocalist and playing a B.C. Rich Mockingbird guitar, leading the charge. The band's lineup has expanded to include Henry Holmes, Josh Mobaraki, and Ellis Durand, long-serving touring musicians who have officially joined the group.
Interestingly, Rhian Teasdale, who didn't play guitar before Wet Leg was formed, has developed a unique way of playing and writing songs on the guitar. Hester Chambers, now no longer using the Surf Green Jazzmaster guitar, finds it fun to let go of their insecurities and write songs and play gigs with Wet Leg. They attribute the band's success to their love for guitar music and bands like Big Thief, The Strokes, and Kings Of Leon.
In an interview given in 2022, Hester Chambers and Rhian Teasdale emphasised that they don't consider themselves technical musicians, but they believe they can still write good songs and play gigs. The past couple of years have seen changes in Wet Leg's guitar setup, reflecting their evolving musical journey. Despite these changes, one thing remains constant - their unwavering commitment to creating music that is fresh, fun, and truly their own.
- The shift in Wet Leg's musical style, incorporating metal guitars, is a reflection of their love for guitar-driven music and a desire to experiment with new sounds.
- The band's sophomore album, Moisturizer, features a diverse range of guitar sounds, including the heavy, distorted tones characteristic of metal guitars.
- The use of metal guitar tones by non-metal bands like Wet Leg serves as a tool for innovation and deepening their musical identity, moving away from a single sound.
