Wet Leg – Moisturizer

Are you moist enough for this one?

Three years ago, Wet Leg exploded into our lives with their self-titled debut — a record so fresh, so captivating, so unapologetically fun, that it instantly earned its place in the indie music scene and on my list of the best albums of the decade so far. Since then, the band has basically done it all: a worldwide tour, opening for one of the biggest tours of the decade (Harry Styles’ Love On Tour), performances at Glastonbury and Coachella, Brit Awards, Grammy wins — they basically hit every target they could with just their first release.

What’s most remarkable is that their rise, while rapid, never felt artificial or overhyped. Wet Leg always seemed in full control — cool, unfazed, and stylish. So when the inevitable sophomore album test arrived, they were more than ready. And I won’t keep you waiting — with Moisturizer, they passed it with flying colors.

At just 38 minutes long, Moisturizer is punchy, playful, and instantly likable. It confirms everything we loved about their debut while introducing new textures, moods, and a wider emotional range. At times, it feels lighter and more buoyant — just listen to tracks like “CPR,” “Mangetout,” or “Pokemon,” which lean a bit toward mainstream without ever losing that signature cheeky charm.

But at the same time, Moisturizer feels musically richer and deeper than Wet Leg. It doesn’t rely on explosive moments as much as it draws you in with atmosphere and texture rather than just punchlines. It’s still carefree and sarcastic, still self-aware and tongue-in-cheek. They’re still writing absurdly catchy songs about inanimate objects with sexual undertones — “Pillow Talk” feels like the new sister of “Chaise Longue”— but this time around, they also allow themselves to be more music-focused.

“Catch These Fists” is an early highlight — sharp, bold, and reminiscent of “Wet Dream” in its energy. [I’m sorry, but “Some guy comes up, says I’m his type / I just threw up in my mouth / When he just tried to ask me out” is iconic.] Meanwhile, dreamier moments like “Liquidize” and “Davina McCall” let the band slow things down, playing with pacing and vibe. “11:21” is an unexpected touch — almost a ballad — but it works. If there’s one slight misstep, it might be the closer "U And Me At Home", which doesn’t hit quite as hard — but by that point, the album’s built enough momentum and variety that it still lands.

So what do we make of Wet Leg’s sophomore effort? Well, what can I say... they nailed it. Moisturizer is fun, sincere, reckless, introspective, sarcastic, and — above all — unmistakably them. (And let’s be clear: having your own sound by the second album is quite a luxury in today’s music scene.) It’s an album that makes you want to dance, to laugh, and to get those hooks stuck in your head all over again. It’s light, but never shallow or stupid.

They’ve carved out their style so naturally and quickly that by the time Moisturizer ends, you kinda just know this band — led by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers — is gonna be okay, with plenty of years ahead.

And let’s be real — they totally deserve it.

8.2/10

Moisturizer is coming on July 11 via Domino Records.