Wet Leg burst onto the scene in 2021 with the infectious Chaise Longue which ended up on President Obama’s annual playlist, well if its good enough for Obama.
Then followed their acclaimed eponymous debut album in 2022 and an extensive/gruelling touring schedule, such was the demand to see them. A lot of bands seem to go through “that difficult second album stage” in their career, but Wet Leg know better and were rewarded with a second number 1 album and a sold-out UK tour.
Which brings us to Cardiff on this cold wintery night. Appearing on stage 10 minutes late, Rhian Teasdale looks the powerhouse that she is, and exudes confidence, gone is the slightly shy, giggly performer, replaced with someone who literally owns the stage. The band are tight as ever (which is no surprise following years of heavy touring) with Hester Chambers adopting a more introverted position set back from the stage. There was clear support for Palestine with the flag adorning stager left.
Opening with Catch These Fists from their “difficult second album” Moisturizer was a clear statement of intent, both musically and lyrically. Poise, urgency, playfulness, with unrelenting precision drives the performance, there are no lulls to speak of, not even time for much chat from the band between songs (apart from an incident, more on that later).
What is very apparent is how comfortably the new songs sit alongside the “older” ones, with a lot of the songs taking on a more angular and raw sound.
On the visual side, Wet Leg do like a good smoke machine (which at times obscures the rest of the band who you can see from time to time peeking out of the murkiness). But this (at least in terms of performance,) is Rhian’s show (not to take anything away from the rest of the band mind you). I do however miss the number of interactions, and laughter between Hester and Rhian. But that is a very minor criticism, as some bands grow into themselves and find what works best for them in terms of performance.
Midway through the show, what looked (at least to me from my position at the back of the hall) was someone who was introduced on stage with what appeared to be a very very long wig (from the Mangetout video?) either dancing or playing some kind of instrument? Quite strange, but on-par with Wet Leg.
The only low points was the show being stopped twice by Rhian and calling out the behaviour of one or more men who according to people I spoke to, were harassing a women or women by allegedly taking inappropriate photos. Rhian clearly took exception to this promptly telling them to “F-Off” declaring (and repeating) this is a safe space.
What struck me most was surely everyone knows the history of the band and how this behaviour would not in anyway align with their beliefs. Unfortunately, one of the people initially ejected, found his way back into the crowd, only for the show to be stopped again and for this person to be forcibly ejected by 5 security stewards to loud cheers from the crowd.
A rousing Chaise Longue saw perhaps the biggest sing-along/reaction of the night which banished the memory of the unpleasantness that took place earlier.
18 songs later and closing with Mangetout which sees them rightfully moving away from being dominated by Chaise Longue, (as great as that song is). There was no encore, which are usually just gimmicks anyway. I easily suspect they could have sold out this venue multiple times, and many will have claimed to have been here tonight when Wet Leg no doubt makes the transition to arenas.
Words and Photos by Kevin Pick
