Album Review: Wet Leg - "Wet Leg"

 

It's safe to say that Wet Leg have been something of a divisive band during their short existence so far. It seems that half of the people I've discussed them with regard them as post-modern pop geniuses while the other half (usually middle-aged punk rockers for some reason) have muttered darkly under their breath about "manufactured band" (yeah, 'cos the Pistols weren't, right?) or "rich kids trying to be rockers" (usually the same people who rightly laud diplomat's son turned punk god Joe Strummer).

I have to be honest, I was initially unconvinced by them - the first time I heard their omnipresent debut single Chaise Longue, my thought was that they basically sounded like a post-ironic version of late '70s post-punk one hit wonders the Flying Lizards except playing original songs rather than covers. However, on hearing this album in full, I'll admit I've warmed considerably to the buggers. Wet Leg have been pretty adamant all along that they basically make music because it's fun and the album certainly bears this out - it's gleefully silly and isn't afraid to cock a snook at those who take things too seriously as the aforementioned Chaise Longue bears out. But tracks like Angelica which follows The Hit have more of a depth to them than you'd expect with the almost shoegazery guitars washing over lyrics like "Angelica brought her ray-gun to the party/Angelica obliterated everybody/I look at my hands then I look for the door/Can't help but feel like I've been here before" while the dreamy I Don't Want To Go Out again lets the laconic waves of noise wash over you while the lyrics may seem daft but seem to capture that whole mid-20s ennui a lot of us have felt at one time all too well ("It used to be so fun/Now everything just feels dumb")

However, Wet Dream quickly turns it round with a joyously fierce riposte to a pretentious ex-boyfriend who you're better off without. Complete with handclaps obviously. Likewise, Ur Mum, Oh No and Too Late Now are gleefully irreverent slices of indie-pop and mix well with the more morose likes of Convincing and the sleepily vitriolic Piece Of Shit. It's not quite all plain sailing - there's the odd moment like Loving You where they just sound a bit underwhelming but these are very much isolated incidents.

Wet Leg are definitely the future of something. Lord knows what but definitely something. What's important though is that this is, for the most part, a self-assured and enjoyable debut album which definitely exceeded my expectations. Veering between joyously taking the piss and some more deep and nuanced moments, it's a well rounded collection of songs which is well worth your time. As we say up here in Yorkshire, it's alright for them what likes fun. So lighten up grandad and get down with the kids.

NITE SONGS RATING: 🌔🌔🌔🌔🌔🌔🌔🌔🌑🌑 (8/10)