The “sophomore slump” is a bit of a misnomer that’s never really landed well with me,

specifically as it relates to music. The fabled second album, more often than not, actually reflects a unique cohesion and the sounds of bandmates that have now been afforded some time to play together live and sharpen their ability to write and just generally create with one another. I mean, Paul’s Boutique, Crooked Rain, Crooked, Rain, Paranoid, Nevermind, Fun House, Axis: Bold As Love…these are hardly failed attempts at a debut follow-up. In this spirit, you needn’t claw back several decades to find another prime example. Moisturizer, the brand new release from Wet Leg, is a brilliant outing and the perfect example of a record that builds beautifully upon the things you loved about the previous album, while taking the sonics and themes to the next level.

A thoughtful collision of smart and, at times, biting lyrics woven into undeniably catchy and well crafted tunes. Moisturizer is at once fun and tongue-in-cheek, while simultaneously challenging you to stop and truly listen to the lyrics which opine on life and love, all while never losing its spirit of poppy amusement and pleasure. Tuneful and melodic though should not be confused for simple, or in this case, for anything less than inspired. These are passionate, vulnerable and unflinching songs, with an edge as sharp as a switchblade wielded with a smile.

Moisturizer, for all the fun it is having, is certainly no joke and often shows an honest vulnerability that takes great strength to express so publicly. This record is fully aware of what it wants to say and let’s us in, just enough, but could just as easily leave us behind if we can’t keep up. All of these elements make for a great album and a seriously gratifying listen.

If you like the idea of a a collection of unapologetic pop songs, delivered with a sneer, I hope you’ll go out and grab a copy for yourself and take the ride!