Wet Leg’s ascent shows no signs of slowing. After producing an instant indie classic with their debut single “Chaise Longue” in 2021, the Isle of Wight outfit has been on one hell of a rollercoaster. Hell, in the few weeks before this show, the band appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, received three Grammy nominations—including one for Best Alternative Album—and played the Royal Albert Hall the night before landing in Bristol.
Touring behind their chart-topping sophomore effort Moisturizer has been relentless: 95 shows across the UK, United States, and Europe, with a few more still to go. So, it’s fair to say this sold-out Bristol show is the hottest ticket in town.
Before the main event, we had some wild support in the form of Faux Real, a French-American art-pop duo made up of brothers Elliott and Virgile Arndt. “I don’t know what the hell I’m watching… but yesss girl,” one attendee said, laughing behind me. It was a fair reaction. The duo are theatrical with a capital T: synchro-camp dancing, guitars shaped like padlocks, and swinging torches on ropes for strobe-like effects. It was as much a performance piece as electro-tinged pop. It was a bit much for some, but I, for one, was quickly won over.
By the end of their set, the brothers leapt into the pit, demanded the house lights be turned off, and urged everyone to switch on their phone torches and kneel before springing up for one last boogie. It was fun, a little bonkers, and for some kids seeing their first show, slightly overstimulating.
Just after 9 p.m., Beacon Hall’s stage was drenched in fog, much to the frustration of Cone’s photographer. Strobes stretched across the room as the statue-esque silhouette of Rhian Teasdale emerged, flexing her now-trademark bicep pose. It was the second time catching the band this year, but it was still startling how much they’ve transformed in just a few short years. The baggy dresses and awkward charm have been shed, replaced by full-blown, bona fide rock star swagger.
What followed was just over an hour of sheer bangers. It may not be the most critical analysis of the evening, but with Wet Leg currently having only two well-received albums, it’s a fair one.
Obviously, some songs were more beloved than others, but the appeal of Wet Leg was that every song they’ve released could quite easily be a single. They’ve got rare skill in creating hooks and unusual melodies. Couple that with some great lyrical imagery and explosive live shows, and you’ve got the answer to their success.
It was nice to see guitarist and co-founder Hester Chambers, who has spent much of this year’s shows tucked further back on stage, venture a little further forward. She even engaged in some chat, while Teasdale mostly focused on playing the kick-ass frontwoman. Still, that fun, offbeat charm remained intact.
The group joked about Teasdale’s time living in Bristol. At one point, the singer paused mid-song to point and wave at a trio of girls decked out in fresh merch-table tees. They almost lost their minds with joy.
The band played 19 songs with no encore, a fair set given they’ve only released 24 tracks to date. They treated us to the rarely played “Supermarket,” while other debut-era tracks like “Ur Mom” and “Oh No” went down a storm. They looked like they were having the time of their lives. Bassist Ellis Durand in particular, hammering his bass as if it owed him money.
At the halfway point, the band slowed things down for their only introspective moment. They delivered a beautiful rendition of “11:21,” complete with a bubble machine and Hester on keys. It was a welcome shift, revealing a softer side, but short-lived. Before long, they were powering through the final stretch with “Chaise Longue,” “CPR,” and closer “Mangetout.” The audience kicked into overdrive, savoring their last chance to let loose on a Friday night. Then, in a flash of lights, it was over. Hester sweetly thanked everyone for coming and wished them a safe journey home.
With Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You” blasting from the house speakers, the sold-out crowd spilled into the soggy night, grinning from ear to ear. Unsurprisingly, Wet Leg once again smashed it.
