Wet Leg’s latest album impresses despite initial annoyances
Wet Leg has managed to generate a fair amount of interest due to their new album, although criticisms exist about various aspects of their work, like their name, lyrics, and singing style. Despite these criticisms, the album falls into the “pretty good” category. Wet Leg’s lyrical content has been described as millennial inanities mixed with elements of bravado and teenage grievances. There are further complaints about the band commodifying their sexualities, with a transition to bisexuality at a seemingly opportune moment. Moreover, Rhian Teasdale’s penchant for vocal monotony and a lack of variety in tunes have also been subject to critique, leading to a sense of monotony and repetition in their music. The band’s guitar accompaniments, while predicable at times, do introduce some welcome changes and complexity to their sound.
Despite these shortcomings, Wet Leg’s new album manages to deliver where it counts – offering a solid pop experience within the power-pop framework. From catchy tunes like ‘Mangetout’ to more heartfelt tracks like ‘Davina McCall’ and the engaging ‘Catch These Fists,’ the album showcases a variety of moods and styles. ‘Don’t Speak,’ for instance, transitions skillfully from a Paul Westerberg-esque beginning to a charming piece reminiscent of Heartland Rock. Throughout, their sound evokes comparisons to bands like The Cardigans and Shampoo, with elements of nostalgia from past eras of pop music.
Even though their music isn’t groundbreaking or entirely original, Wet Leg’s album manages to captivate listeners and provide an enjoyable listening experience. The somewhat cliche power-pop elements, combined with Teasdale’s youthful singing style, deliver a simple yet engaging sound that resonates with audiences. All in all, despite the initial reservations about the band and their music, the album proves itself to be enjoyable and engaging. It’s refreshing to witness the Isle of Wight gaining traction in the music scene once again, cementing itself as a hub for budding talent.