Rhian Teasdale of Wet Leg is stepping into a new era with the band’s sophomore album, Moisturizer. The record reveals a frontwoman transformed, not just by fame, but by a journey of self-discovery and queer love. While the band’s signature snarky rock sound remains, this new collection of songs offers a more personal, emotionally raw diary of Teasdale’s life, showing a side of her she never thought she’d share through music.
A Darker Vibe with the Same Cheeky Heart
Don’t let the spooky album cover fool you. While Moisturizer presents a sharper and darker image for Wet Leg, the music inside is a complex mix of emotions. Teasdale calls it “juxtaposition,” a theme central to the band’s identity. The album is both sexy and gross, funny and tender, all at once.
The album’s creation was shrouded in a bit of mystery. After teasing that the record was finished a year ago, Teasdale now admits they fibbed. The truth is the album came together last Halloween in a web-covered studio in Brighton, which explains some of its eerie energy.
Fans who loved the first album will find plenty to enjoy here, but they should also be ready for something more. Here’s a quick look at what Moisturizer delivers:
- More emotional range than their debut
- Soppy love songs with a distinct queer energy
- A mix of punky punch and mellow heart
- Subversive visuals that hint at the story but never tell the whole thing
This blend ensures the album feels fresh while staying true to the band’s core.
Queer Love Rewrites the Playlist
For the first time, Rhian Teasdale has written true love songs, and she’s direct about why. “I’ve never wanted to write a love song about a man,” she says bluntly. Her relationship with her non-binary partner opened up a new world of inspiration, one free from traditional rules and expectations.
This newfound freedom is the emotional core of Moisturizer. Teasdale celebrates the idea that queer relationships don’t have a set formula. “There’s no blueprint. It’s all up for grabs,” she explains. This excitement translates into tracks like “Davina McCall” and “Don’t Speak,” which she happily describes as “so soppy.” They are filled with goofy metaphors and honest affection, marking a significant shift in her songwriting.
Crafting an Album for the Stage and the Soul
Creating an album isn’t just about writing songs; it’s about building an experience. Wet Leg recorded 16 tracks for Moisturizer but decided to cut some of the heavier ones to create a better flow. The band understands that an album needs moments to breathe, especially when you have to play it live every night.
The tracklist was carefully curated to balance energy and emotion. There are foot-stomping anthems designed for festival crowds, but there are also quieter, more personal tracks. Teasdale acknowledges these softer songs might not get played live often, but they were essential to the album’s emotional honesty. It’s a strategic choice that makes Moisturizer a record that works both in a packed venue and through a pair of headphones.
From Horror Flicks to Real-Life Frustrations
The stories behind the songs on Moisturizer are as compelling as the music itself. Some tracks are born from real-life anger. “Catch These Fists” was inspired by a frustrating night out when a man wouldn’t leave Teasdale and her friends alone. Instead of letting it go, she channeled that raw feeling into a powerful song.
Other inspirations were found during horror movie marathons. The song “Jennifer’s Body” isn’t a direct retelling of the film, but rewatching it as someone who now identifies as queer gave Teasdale a new perspective. She finally understood the subtext of the movie, and that new understanding sparked a creative fire.
A Shift in the Spotlight
Fans will notice a change in the band’s public dynamic. On the first album, Teasdale and her bandmate Hester Chambers were a unit, conducting interviews together. For this album cycle, Chambers has stepped back from the spotlight.
Teasdale explains that interviews aren’t Chambers’ favorite thing to do. Now that the band is more established, they have the flexibility to let each member focus on what they do best. This change has been refreshing for both of them, allowing them to set boundaries and work in a way that feels healthier and more sustainable.
