A few years ago I accidentally clicked on a YouTube recommendation, pressed play, and three minutes later I was bouncing around the house yelling “on the chaise longue!” like a lunatic. Before I even realised it, I had instantly fallen in love with this hilariously named band and, needless to say, I was completely obsessed!

Wet Leg rolling into Portsmouth Guildhall on their UK tour felt like the perfect homecoming for the Isle of Wight legends, and they delivered one of the most joyful, chaotic and downright brilliant gigs I been to in a long time, fully living up to the hype – in fact, they really surprised me at how different the live performances are compared to the studio albums – the records are brilliant, don’t get me wrong, but live there’s this extra grit, more layers and a much heavier sound that caught me completely off guard in the best possible way. It was like hearing all these songs for the first time again.

The venue itself was buzzing; the Guildhall’s grand acoustics made every riff and shout feel massive, yet intimate enough that you could see the sweat and smiles up close and, from the moment Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers bounced onstage, you could feel the energy in the room – sarcastic grins, infectious banter and that signature deadpan humour that makes you fall in love with them all over again – not to forget Josh Mobaraki’s jagged guitar lines cutting through with Ellis Durand and Henry Holmes locking in a rhythm section that’s grown genuinely heavy on this tour.

Launching straight into punchy new tracks “CPR” and “Catch These Fists” you are instantly aware that the Moisturizer album has really bedded in during those tours across Europe and the US – it was bolder and catchier than ever dismissing any fears of resting on their laurels since the success of the first album.

With the crowd screaming along they effortlessly moved into classics like “Being in Love” “Wet Dream” and “Angelica” – and it didn’t stop there. “Jennifer’s Body”, “Pond Song” and “Liquidize” followed, carrying real weight live with the guitars sharper and the rhythms more propulsive than on the record. “Being in Love” sounded huge as Hester Chambers’ harmonies floated over Josh Mobaraki’s wiry leads with Ellis Durand’s bass driving everything forward.

As incredible as Moisturizer is, the debut still provided the fireworks – “Wet Dream” and “Oh No” whipped the floor into an expected frenzy, while “Ur Mum” remains an absolute monster with Rhian absolutely owning the stage during those epic shouts, delivering the breakdown with that half-spoken, half-screamed venom that makes it one of the best British rock songs of the decade. “Too Late Now” offered a brief comedown, all shimmering guitars and understated melancholy, before they cranked it back up again. As you would expect, ”Chaise Longue” was pure mayhem – everyone yelling “On the chaise longue!” back at the band as the band rattled off hit after hit, clearly having fun – not only you could feel it, you could see it written over all their faces – this wasn’t just another gig on the tour list, it was special.

As the last song ended to huge applause, it’s clear Wet Leg are tighter than ever. Rhian and Hester’s chemistry is magic, Josh’s guitar work is killer, Henry’s drums are thunderous, and Ellis holds down basslines like a boss, proving three years on from the hype explosion, Wet Leg aren’t just coasting on irony and a killer single anymore. They are a proper, road-hardened band who can headline audiences with ease – witty when they want to be, heavy when they need to be, and always in control. One of the most assured UK guitar shows of the year.

So, If you’re even remotely into indie rock with a side of absurdity and heart, Wet Leg live is essential. Last night’s show was triumphant, hilarious, and left me grinning ear to ear on the walk home. If you haven’t already, go check them out.

Website: wetlegband.com
Instagram: instagram.com/wetlegband
TikTok: tiktok.com/@wetlegband

Words and Images: Angelo Tirotto