Wet Leg• September 13, 2022• The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On Tuesday, September 13th, British indie rock band Wet Leg brought their tour to Salt Lake City. After hearing so much buzz about them recently, I wasn’t surprised at all to learn that they had sold out their show at The Depot. Heavy rain was coming down when I arrived at the venue. I was glad I would be spending the evening at an indoor show instead of at one of the many outdoor amphitheaters in the valley. I arrived before the doors were set to open. But noticed The Depot had already begun letting the concertgoers inside to get out of the rain.
As I waited outside for a while, I watched multiple people approach the box office hoping for tickets. They would, unfortunately, leave disappointed as they were sold out. I witnessed a few different people offer to buy tickets from other fans for triple what they had originally paid. “Sorry, but I am way too excited about this concert,” one guy said as he turned down an offer.
It’s not very often that a band as new as Wet Leg receives this level of excitement. The duo was founded in 2019 by Rhian Teasdale (lead vocals) and Hester Chambers (lead guitar). It’s undeniable that there is just something about them that people enjoy. Having listened to their first album released earlier this year, I understand the hype behind their music. Often described as cheeky and sarcastic, their songs are playful and fun without sounding like some sort of cheesy satire. After only releasing their first song last year, they have already caught the attention of legends like Elton John and Dave Grohl. Only adding to their momentum.
They have described their experience so far as a whirlwind. I expect the hype to only increase as they prepare to go on tour as a supporting band for Harry Styles. I imagine there are very few bands that have had the opportunity to perform at Wembley Stadium so soon in their career. But that’s exactly what Wet Leg will be doing not just once, but twice, next June. As I walked into The Depot, I thought that it might be my only time seeing them perform at a venue that size.
I could feel the anticipation in the room just before Wet Leg took the stage. The entire crowd enthusiastically chanted their name, before erupting into cheers as they stepped out. With Teasdale taking the lead they began with “Being in Love,” the first track on their first and only album. By the reaction from the fans, you would assume that this was their biggest hit. But each song on their 12-song setlist was met with the same enthusiasm throughout the night.
With the band still being so new and not having an overwhelming collection of music yet, every song they played felt like the hit song the audience had been waiting for. I loved hearing the crowd sing along to all their catchy songs. Songs like “Wet Dream,” “Supermarket,” “Oh No,” and “Ur Mum.” Regardless of how many albums Wet Leg will release, fans will still always hope to hear them play the songs from their debut album.
Wet Leg ended the night with the first single they ever released, “Chaise Lounge”. A catchy song Dave Grohl has admitted to playing on repeat during his living room dance parties. After finishing their set with some incredible energy, they thanked the crowd and said good night. The audience, clearly enjoying the concert and not wanting it to end, stuck around chanting “encore, encore.” I heard some disappointed sighs as the house lights came on, indicating it really was over. Even without an encore, the fans walked away still feeling thrilled about the performance they had just witnessed. I look forward to seeing what the future brings for Wet Leg, and if they stay on their current trajectory I expect it to be epic.
