Wet Leg : "moisturizer"

 

This quirky power pop band from the Isle of Wight has an odd New Wave vibe to their take on indie rock. They shift slightly from song to song, with subtle hints of punk influences on "liquidize' which has a little drive in its strummed shuffle. Their singer has a detached apathy to her voice that carries its own sex appeal. I had already heard the angular lead single "Catch These Fists" that made me think of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs when I first heard it, though there are some St. Vincent-like touches to the guitars. It rocks out a little harder than the first two songs. Her vocals work in a more purred mutter here. 

"davina mccall" finds a palm-muted guitar drone giving the vocals more room, and while this is effective to some extent, it feels like they are already starting to recycle ideas to some extent here. A similar can be said for "jennifer's body" which cruises along a similar sugary power pop tension. There is a little more of a rock n' roll feel to the song. "mangetout" follows a similar shuffle that has been driving this album. There is a certain uniform feel that these songs are taking on by this point in the album. "pond song" is another tune that is made from the same mold as the others. The hushed cadence of Rhain's voice is the focal point that hovers over the guitar. The song has a more dynamic build than others, the recoil / expand of the palm muted strum to the louder jangle. 

There is more of an 80s post-punk feel to the drums on "pokemon". Going into her head register for the chorus helps switch things up, making this one ofthe album's better songs. "pillow talk" comes closer to punk with the grungy guitar that adds to the dynamic shift of the more aggressive chorus. I went into this album expecting more of this.  "don't speak" is a boozy take on indie rock that shimmies along. "11:21" is moodier and more interesting sonically. Then the last song comes across like a party anthem, so at least they do change it up here. I will give this album a 9, it is a lot of fun and does not go overboard on the girl power, if you were fooled by the vibes the single was giving off. 

pst303