From the grinding opener “CPR,” with its sirens and churning bass evoking Cake’s “Comfort Eagle,” the record pulses with confident, confrontational vibes. Tracks like “catch these fists,” the angular lead single boasting a St. Vincent-like guitar riff, channel garage-punk flirtation and threat, while “liquidize” captures the anxious rush of infatuation. Standouts include the whimsical “mangetout,” a post-punk banger with addictive repetition and driving drums reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins’ “1979,” and “davina mccall,” a shoegazey jangle transforming pop culture references into sweet declarations. Softer moments shine in “pond song,” confessing deep love with dynamic jangle, and the intimate closer “u and me at home,” a domestic ode to quiet affection.
Thematically, moisturizer shifts from the debut’s party-crush one-liners to all-consuming romance, with Teasdale’s detached vocals adding apathy-tinged appeal. It’s spikier and sexier, embracing nuanced femininity, though some note jarring production transitions and a dip in the original’s humor.
Overall, moisturizer is a bold, fun record that cements Wet Leg as indie rock innovators. It’s less mainstream than their debut but more personal, offering hooks that linger and vulnerability that resonates. A must-listen for those craving witty, heartfelt chaos.