In a recent interview with Variety, Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale opened up about the band’s highly anticipated second album, Moisturizer, a record that cements their status as one of rock’s most thrilling acts. Four years after their breakout debut, Teasdale and guitarist Hester Chambers deliver an album that retains their signature wit while embracing newfound emotional depth—filled with love songs, queer themes, and a sharper sense of self-assurance.
Fans had been eagerly awaiting new music, especially after Teasdale jokingly claimed the album was finished long before it actually was. The recording process finally took place last Halloween at Brighton’s Salvation Studios, a session decorated with cobwebs and fake spiders—a fittingly playful environment for a band known for their irreverent charm. The result is a collection of tracks that balance Wet Leg’s trademark humor with surprising sincerity, particularly in Teasdale’s songwriting, which now explores romance in ways she once avoided.
The lead single, “Catch These Fists,” bursts with defiant energy, inspired by a frustrating night out. Teasdale explained that the song captures the all-too-familiar experience of being interrupted by unwanted advances while simply trying to enjoy time with friends. Yet, alongside these fiery moments, Moisturizer also includes tracks like “Davina McCall,” which Teasdale describes as a “soppy love song”—a departure from the band’s usual cheeky tone.
For Teasdale, writing love songs was never a priority in the past, especially when it came to men. “I don’t even really enjoy listening to love songs from a woman to a man,” she admitted. “Historically, they’re not so empowering.” But her perspective shifted after coming out as queer and entering a relationship with a non-binary partner. “Queer love is so interesting to me right now because there’s no blueprint for it,” she reflected. “In a queer relationship, everything feels rewritten. There’s a freedom in that.”
This exploration of love and identity gives Moisturizer a fresh emotional weight. Tracks like “Jennifer’s Body”—named after the cult horror film—subtly weave in queer themes, while Hester Chambers’ contribution, “Don’t Speak,” offers a softer counterpoint to Teasdale’s own romantic musings. The two would often reassure each other that their heartfelt lyrics weren’t too sentimental—a balance that keeps the album from tipping into pure earnestness.
The album’s cover art—a distorted, grinning face reminiscent of Aphex Twin’s unsettling visuals—hints at Wet Leg’s love for contrast. “If there’s a moment that’s a bit sexy, it’s also a bit disgusting,” Teasdale said with a laugh. This mix of humor and sincerity has been a staple of their work since “Chaise Longue” went viral, and Moisturizer continues the tradition. Even at their most vulnerable, there’s always a smirk lurking beneath the surface.
One noticeable change in Wet Leg’s dynamic is Chambers stepping back from interviews, leaving Teasdale as the band’s primary spokesperson. “She’s just taking it easy this time,” Teasdale explained. The shift is also evident onstage, where Teasdale has embraced a more commanding presence—partly thanks to some unexpected advice from Debbie Harry. “She told me, ‘Stand up straight, girl!’” Teasdale recalled. “And ever since then, I have.”
As Wet Leg prepares to tour Moisturizer, Teasdale is excited about the live energy of the new songs. Yet she also acknowledges the quieter moments—tracks that might not make the setlist but add richness to the album. For fans who fell in love with Wet Leg’s debut, Moisturizer delivers everything they could want: sharp riffs, biting humor, and now, a surprising vulnerability. But for Teasdale, the album is also a personal milestone—a snapshot of happiness, love, and self-discovery.
And if that means writing soppy love songs with a wink? Well, that’s just part of the fun. After all, as she put it: “There are no rules.”
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