Wet Leg: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.

Bob Boilen | December 1, 2021
No other band has brought me more joy in 2021 than Wet Leg, and I truly needed joy in 2021. When "Chaise Longue," came out in June, it felt like a gift. It's rare to hear a band's very first song sound as perfect as this one did, but that's part of the magic that Wet Leg exudes. Two dear friends – Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers — making music to make each other smile, then watching that smile spread as audiences catch on.

That song has a few deadpan lines lifted from the film Mean Girls: "Is your muffin buttered? Would you like us to assign someone to butter your muffin?" There's a golden moment in this Tiny Desk (home) concert when Rhian turns to Hester with the line, "Excuse me," while Hester responds dryly, "What?" Setting off a knowing smile back and forth made me love the band even more. They were gathered together at The Ventnor Exchange, a creative arts space/record shop/bar/venue on the Isle of Wight, their home turf. And their band – Henry Holmes on drums, Ellis Durand on bass and Josh Mobaraki on guitar and synth – amplify the rock and droll sound Rhian and Hester personify.

They've just announced the April 8 release date for their debut album, more tour dates, and shared two new songs, which you'll also hear them perform here. The new songs don't stray far from the two they'd previously released, which bookend this Tiny Desk (home) concert. Part of the footage was filmed on VHS tape, a bit of a wink toward their sound, which has roots in the '70s. It's not nostalgic, but it is playfully wistful.

SET LIST
"Chaise Longue"
"Too Late Now"
"Oh No"
"Wet Dream"

MUSICIANS
Hester Chambers: vocals, guitar
Rhian Teasdale: guitar, backup vocals
Henry Holmes: drums
Ellis Durand: bass
Josh Mobaraki: guitar, synth

CREDITS
Video: Joey Julliard, Oliver Bury, Josh Mobaraki
Audio: Patrick Lee, Josh Mobaraki
Special thanks: The Ventnor Exchange, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #wetleg

[JackHumphrey]

I'm ten hundred and this band reminds me of the songs we sang while riding the family Pterodactyl to the tar pits.

[SlowGraffitiVideo]

I’ve never experienced a new band I liked so much in the modern era…like this is the first time I’ve got to watch every little clip of ever little thing a band does. It’s fun. I’m 141 years old. The last band I liked this much was The Strokes in 2001. Internet was like 7 pages then.

[michellewong]

The lyrics are so funny, especially the delivery. It's self-aware.

[lesblackwell]

I love how the two ladies are constantly looking at each other like they've just gotten away with something. Wonderful music and delightfully new (despite the fact that I'm sure I saw them in concert in 1987).

[lptomtom]

I don't know what makes Chaise Longue such an earworm but it really works... this band is blowing up!

[steveweeden]

Very 70s 80s 90s.
Funny lyrics with a good rocky sound.
I'm 67 yo looking around for good music.

[pigeonparmo]

That King Charles Spaniel can really drum.

[Ickyfoss]

They had me at "Would you like us to assign someone to worry your mother?😂❤ Female artists are just crushing the indie/alternative/post-punk genres this year.

[emberos]

simple punk chords but some very creative writing and some seriously catchy hooks in all of it - leaves me feeling good with a smile on my face

[novaearion]

has no one written yet what a good singer Rhian is? she fits all genres, it feels like, and has a good range.

[BrotherCliff]

I love that we have gotten to the generation who locked themselves in the basement with their parents Pixies and Sonic Youth albums.

[lucifersmile]

It’s nice to see such a positive YouTube comment section. I love getting to see this band blossom.

[millerhxc]

This has to be the quickest a band has ever got onto Tiny Desk.

[TheMrMarkW]

Some bands just have 'it' - and Wet Leg definitely have that. It's like Cibo Matto and the Ting Tings have crashed into the Pixies - and I love it. Nothing else like it at the moment, especially with the tongue in cheek lyrics - and watching Hester laugh her head off at some of the words is awesome.

[RJWSuffolk]

Great band, hats off to the drummer - great energy.

[timmarshall]

First time I heard Wet Leg it stuck. Lovely stuff! I’m only 140 years old myself.

[adreanmarantz]

In my fifties, can't remember the last time a new band captured my attention like this, been getting my fill all morning.

[davewilson]

A real throwback to best of Indie Brit Pop. 50+ and love it.

[lee]

Didn’t expect the psychedelic freakout turn for this band, but I’m all for it. What a great vibe. Love them to death, such a refreshing sound.

[baustin]

Refreshing in many ways. Such range of vocal styles: dada, deadpan/sardonic, , punk, melodic, staccato/percussive.