FOUR years ago, we caught a very early iteration of Wet Leg in the dark back room of McChuills. A memorable gig, they were a band still very much in their formative years – frantic, furious and brilliantly raw. However, there was no denying their massive potential – there was something undeniably special in those tight yet loose indie anthems, full of spiky lyrics and inventive guitarwork.
Now two albums down the line, Wet Leg have transformed into an entirely different beast. Following the success of their self-titled debut album in 2022, which was rightly propelled by the brilliant absurdity and infectious hooks off viral hits ‘Chaise Longue’ and ‘Wet Dream’, the band shared its eagerly anticipated follow-up ‘moisturizer’ earlier this year – proving that all the early hype was no coincidence.
The new record has seen them hone their vision – it’s meatier, heavier, and punchier, shifting from 80s synth influences to Kate Bush-esque balladry to 90s alt rock. It marked a bold, confident and more cohesive return that has translated into an even more compelling live show.
Such was the success of their early singles, the band were thrust onto huge stages earlier than most, at a time when they were still developing their craft. However, with that experience now behind them, you get the impression that they’ve now found their lane and flourishing in it – no one more so than frontwoman Rhian Theasdale.
After a pre-gig set of indie-sleaze hits, they took to the stage in emphatic fashion – making full use of the strobe lighting and smoke machines for a dramatic entrance. Theasdale shifted into her now signature position, strong and powerful with flexed biceps, before launching into the brilliant ‘catch these fists’.
Bolstered by newfound confidence and star power, the singer was magnetic throughout – she still may not say much between songs, but she effortlessly commands the stage from start to end, whether she’s wielding her lime green, translucent guitar, dancing with bandmate Hester Chambers or prowling and strutting across the stage. With the driving, hypnotic rhythms pulsating around her, it was immediately clear they’ve come a long way since those early days in McChuills.
Everything just sounded bigger, heavier and more aggressive, and they very rarely let up the pace throughout – running through hit after hit at some pace. ‘Wet Dream’ was an instant highlight, garnering an immediate reaction from the crowd with every word bellowed back by the crowd. In fact, the first half of the seat was dominated by the infectious hits of their first album like ‘Oh No’, ’Supermarket’, ‘Being In Love’ and ‘Ur Mum’ – all of which were met with even more enthusiasm than before. During the latter, we were encouraged to let out a scream into the ether, which led to a deafening, venue-wide effort that could have been heard across Glasgow.
As for the new songs, they shone bright too. ‘davina mccall’ offered a more tender moment, while on ’11.21’, Rhian showed off her vocals surrounded by bubbles and white smoke.
‘Pillowtalk’ then lifted up the pace again – it was fast and furious with bludgeoning riffs, as if channelling a Queens of the Stone Age record. This made way for a huge finale – with the brilliant ‘Angelica’ running into a spirited take on old favourite ‘Chaise Longue’, with the opening riffs met with cheers of approval. It was then left to the swinging, grungy anthem ‘CPR’ and ‘mangetout’ to see the gig out in triumphant fashion.
Playing in front of a hugely mixed crowd, Wet Leg clearly have universal appeal – and you get the impression they’ll only just get bigger after this brilliant show.
