Attention Hype

 

The word hype is a relic from another era. Back then, in the 1990s, more guitars were probably sold than mobile phones. With each print edition of the NME magazine, a new "best band of all time" was proclaimed on the front page. This and beyond the Atlantic, Alternative Rock, Manchester Rave, Grunge, Brit-Pop and strumming indie-rock entered the charts. Mocking lads and nonconformist riot grrrls became role models, celebrities and fashion icons. Before the crash came, Tony Blair even celebrated the Champagne Supernova with a British premier. And today? In times of media irritation, the name Wet Leg is probably noted between two glass of beer with a shoulder twitch. Brilliant! But you don't have to know them. This were my thoughts when I listened to Wet Leg's self titled first album. I have to admit that I really liked their first single Chaise Longe that was one of last summers songs and I didn't expected anything from the album. But singer Rhian Teasdale and guitarist Hester Chambers from Isle of Wight were able to write more indie-rock songs high above the level you could expect. The music may sound like a best-of-indie rock of the past 30 years. But the way Wet Leg handles the challenges of our time is fueled by an unusually snotty attitude. All in all an album that makes fun at the time but I suggest less people will remember their names in a couple of years.