FEATURE:
Spotlight
Wet Leg
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THIS is quite a short one…
as I cannot see an interview online with the incredible Wet Leg. I am interested where that name comes from. There is a lot to learn about Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers. That will come in time. On the strength of their single, Chaise Longue, alone, they are shaping up to be a duo one needs to watch closely! I feel that we are going to get more unique and awesome tracks before the year is done. As there are not a lot of interviews or a deep biography, I will have to go with what there is online. Most f it revolves around the reaction to Chaise Longue. A lot of people are catching onto the song. I have heard it played on BBC Radio 6 Music quite a bit. I have heard some acts deliver a great single and then, when hype builds, we do not hear much from them – or what they produce lacks the spark and memorability of the song we all hooked onto. That will not be the case with Wet Leg. There is this instant sense of confidence and ability that we will see mutate into further gems. The first article I want to bring in regarding Chaise Longue is from B-SIDES. This is what they had to say:
“Once in a while, when the stars align and the time is right, a song comes into your life that you just can’t escape from. Something about the melody or the lyrics just clicks, and it becomes all you can think about, all you can listen to. You wonder how someone could possibly make a piece of music that sounds so perfect, and it worms its way into your ears for days or maybe even months. I have personally been guilty of finding one of these new “obsession songs”, as I call them, and forcing those around me to listen incessantly over the course of a week or so, hoping they can also experience that feeling of awe, like finding a missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle. The reason I love listening to music, and spend an ungodly amount of time expanding my personal catalogue, is because I’m chasing that high. So when a song comes around that has that mystical quality, that ability to stick with you, I pay close attention.
So when the thumping bass line and Rhian Teasdale’s unaffectedly cool vocal kicked in upon my first listen to Wet Leg’s first single “Chaise Longue”, I was all ears. This quirky yet assured song is unmistakably fun, and subtly sardonic. My personal favorite lyrics include, “Is your mother worried? Would you like us to assign someone to worry your mother?” and “I’ve got a chaise longue in my dressing room / And a pack of warm beer that we can consume”. The observant, cynical, yet whimsical nature of their songwriting is reminiscent of Courtney Barnett’s best work, and the punchy, aloof instrumentals add a touch of Riot Grrrl. The pair have expressed their penchant for French disco, which is definitely the foundation of “Chaise Longue”, but also draw on a variety of eclectic influences ranging from Björk to Ty Seagall to The Ronettes. But Wet Leg’s first single honestly evades comparison, with a unique sonic atmosphere and contained, yet playful visual aesthetic”.
Not to put too much weight on one song and expectation so early on. It seems like there is already this band of hungry supporters that are looking forward to seeing what Wet Leg come up with next. I am very interested. An E.P. or album from them would be awesome. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves! At the moment, we have a great new act that are creating this ripple of excitement and passion.
PHOTO CREDIT: @jonowhite_
Louder Than War got involved and had their say regarding Wet Leg. They were suitably impressed by the appeal and original spirit of a song that must rank alongside the best of 2021:
“As if any further proof was needed of just how hot the new band scene along come Wet Leg to trump everybody. Their Chaise Longue track is a genius slice of indie minimalism driven buy an incessant drum machine and an impatient bass .
The Isle of Wight duo of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers debut single is deadpan, cheeky and slightly salacious post-punk that is very much doing its own thing with distant relatives like the newly rediscovered Delta 5 and Au pairs from way back in the punk rock wars or the wonderful Dry Cleaning in these modern times.
The duo now signed to the great Domino label are very much dealing their own style though and the brilliant lyrics and driving song that explodes into a climactic frenzy at key points is the most startling debut release of the year. They are playing festivals soon and already look set to be one of the key bands this autumn”.
I am going to wrap it up soon. It is exciting when you get a duo/band/solo artist that takes you by surprise and delivers something sensational and instantly classical. It is very early days for Wet Legs - though there is justified intrigue and predictions of longevity.
I am going to wrap up with DORK. Like a few sites, they have been giving their thoughts regarding a duo who have signed to the Domino label! Clearly, there is a lot of faith in Teasdale and Chambers:
“Isle of Wight duo Wet Leg – that’s Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers to you – have signed to ‘legendary indie label’ Domino, home to the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Blood Orange, Franz Ferdinand and My Bloody Valentine. They’ve also dropped their ‘debut’ single, too. It’s called ‘Chaise Longue’ and comes alongside a delightfully fun video.
They’re also – for today at least – QUITE CLEARLY THE BEST NEW BAND ON THE PLANET.
Yes, yes. We’re saying this off the back of 1 (ONE) track and a very good video, but – frankly – fuck it. You only live once, right? Lyrically knowing, clad in thematically fitting outfits and high kicking straight to the top of our hype list, it’s quite probably the most impressive statement from a new band in an age. We’ll fight you if we have to.
Wet Leg – fingers crossed – also have a bunch of live stuff coming up. They’re supporting indie heroes Declan McKenna and Willie J Healy, hopefully will appear at Latitude and Isle of Wight Festivals and, if we’re lucky, will be with Sports Team on their annual Margate trip, ‘stuff’ permitting”.
Go and check out Wet Leg and follow them on social media. They are going to be one of these duos who keep on putting out music of the highest order! If Chaise Longue is anything to go by, they are going to get a lot of gig and festival requests very soon. Settle down and show Wert Leg…
SOME much-deserved love and support!
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