Wet Leg, the Isle of Wight-based band formed by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, is making waves again with the announcement of their highly anticipated second album, Moisturizer, set to release on July 11, 2025. This comes hot on the heels of their self-titled debut album, which garnered immense acclaim in 2022, earning three Grammy Awards, two British awards, and achieving multiple number one spots on international charts. With over 500 million streams and even a cover by Harry Styles, their debut was nothing short of a sensation.
The excitement surrounding Moisturizer is palpable, especially with the release of the album's first single, Catch These Fists. This track is described as an aggressive dance-punk anthem that showcases the band's evolution while retaining their signature edge. The song's lyrics reflect a tense encounter with a "belligerent man," capturing the raw energy and spirit that Wet Leg is known for. As Teasdale narrates in the song's final stanza, "I vomited in my mouth / when he tried to ask me to leave / do not approach me / I just want to dance with my friends." This lyrical honesty resonates with listeners, making it a compelling introduction to the new album.
Wet Leg's return to the studio was marked by a creative retreat in March 2024, where the band members lived and worked together in the seaside town of Southwold, Norfolk. This collaborative environment fostered a new sense of unity among the five members, all of whom contributed to the writing process for Moisturizer. Chambers reflected on this experience, saying, "We were just kind of having fun and exploring. We focused on: Is this going to be fun to play live?" Teasdale added, "It was very natural that we would write the second record together." This collective approach has resulted in a collection of what the band describes as "manic love songs and well-calculated kisses."
The album is produced by Dan Carey, who previously worked with the band on their debut. According to the press release, Wet Leg aims to deliver a sound that is "more blunt, most beautiful and more perverted" than their first album. This intention suggests a bold step forward in their musical journey, promising fans a fresh yet familiar experience.
Fans can already get a taste of Moisturizer with the single Catch These Fists, which features an electrifying groove, pulsating bass lines, and a blend of howling synths and thunderous beats. The accompanying music video, directed by the band, pays homage to filmmakers like Ti West and Cameron Crowe, while also nodding to their previous work, creating an intriguing visual narrative that complements the song's themes.
Wet Leg's return to live performance is also on the horizon, with the band set to make an appearance on The Tonight Show stage at 30 Rockefeller Center on April 9, 2025, where they will give Catch These Fists its international television debut. This performance is expected to further amplify the excitement surrounding the album and showcase the band's dynamic stage presence.
Pre-orders for Moisturizer are already available, with options including limited edition 3D gatefold cream-colored vinyl, signed photos, picture disc vinyl, standard vinyl, cassette, CD, and digital formats. Fans eager to get their hands on this new music can visit Wet Leg's official store to secure their copies.
As Wet Leg prepares to launch their sophomore album, the anticipation is building. The band's unique blend of punk energy, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. With their commitment to authenticity and artistic exploration, Wet Leg is poised to make a significant mark on the music scene once again. The release of Moisturizer promises to not only meet but exceed the expectations set by their debut, offering fans a deeper insight into the band's evolving sound and creative vision.
