By Alexandra Pullen
Over the past five years since the release of their debut single, Chaise Lounge, back in 2021, Wet Leg have experienced an impressively dramatic trajectory into the music industry. Originally a duo made up of vocalist Rhian Teasdale and guitarist Hester Chambers, the pair expanded last year, writing, recording, and releasing their second album moisturizer as a five-piece with touring members Josh Mobaraki on guitar and keyboard, Ellis Durand on bass and Henry Holmes on drums.
In a run of shows that are said to be their biggest headline gigs to date, Wet Leg kicked off their summer 2026 tour at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl as part of the Sounds of the City festival. The sun glared down on the venue’s pavilion which had already hit seated capacity by 6pm, three hours before the Isle of Wight band would take to the stage. Visually, it is perhaps the coolest venue in Manchester, placed right next to Castlefield Viaduct, but its inner city and outdoor nature did seem to hinder the sound quality at times.
First to the stage was Theatre, a five piece band from Limerick fronted by vocalist Maeve O’Shea. The band fused elements of grunge, shoegaze and folk into their bold and aptly dramatic songs. O’Shea’s belting vocals were impressive and resembled that of Dolores O’Riorden from fellow Limerick band The Cranberries, or Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell. Unfortunately, the venue’s sound levels meant it was difficult to distinguish the lyrics of some songs, but either way the sound was punchy and assertive.
Leeds-based rock band English Teacher were next, who took home the Mercury Prize in 2024 for their debut album This Could Be Texas. After this historic moment, I had heard a considerable amount about how brilliant English Teacher’s live performances were and they certainly didn’t disappoint. They completely changed the atmosphere after Theatre, and I think some were at Castlefield Bowl that night purely for them, with some people spotted repping the band’s merch.
Lead singer Lily Fontaine showed incredible vocal talent, blending elements of poignant and dreamy spoken word with gritty Northern charm. Opening with The World’s Biggest Paving Slab, and the bitey I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying, there was no easing into this set. As the sun set over Manchester, “the best city ever” according to Fontaine (and I’m bound to agree), a few unreleased songs hooked the crowd to the bands’ every word, and every movement.
This Could Be Texas was a highlight, beginning with a slow and weighty piano which slowly transforms into a reflective and euphoric tune.
Finally, the time rolled around for the headliners to take to the stage. The audience rapidly expanded and even from the flats surrounding Castlefield Bowl, people were gazing from their balconies and climbing out of windows to see Wet Leg arrive. A strong string of opening songs were provided in catch these fists, Oh No and one of the band’s biggest hits, Wet Dream, as concert-goers started to get more and more rowdy.
It was difficult to see them through the thick cloud of smoke, but towards the end of the first track, Rhian Teasdale emerged, biceps flexed, in her signature power pose.
A sea of lobster claws greeted Teasdale, a reference to the music video for Wet Dream, as she warmly noticed and encouraged them. Talking was minimal throughout the set, and after a handful of songs, the crowd seemed to simmer down, with some too distracted by the trains passing overhead, continuing the Castlefield Bowl tradition of getting waves from as many train conductors and passengers as possible. There was certainly a sense of community which was fostered by Wet Leg that night, but an obvious lull occurred around tracks including pond song, pokemon, and 11:21. Much of the night was understandably taken up by moisturizer, with almost every song from the sophomore album being spotlighted.
The more understated and beautifully executed love songs davina mccall and u and me at home were some of the best of the night. But the crowd perked up again during the final three songs Wet Leg performed: Chaise Lounge, CPR and mangetout. The former particularly encapsulates what the band are all about, they’re bold and unapologetically wacky with deadpan lyricism and energetic post-punk riffs. A call and response of “excuse me” and “what” engaged fans and lured them back into the show.
As someone not entirely familiar with Wet Leg’s discography outside of the hits such as Wet Dream, Chaise Lounge and catch these fists, I can’t say I left Castlefield Bowl with an urgency to expand my knowledge. Teasdale and Chambers’ talent is undeniable, but it would be fair to say that the night unfortunately seemed to lack momentum at times, falling flat towards the middle of the show, and it was difficult to feel connected to Wet Leg when there was a wall of smoke separating them from the crowd for the majority of the night.
Text Copyright 2026 © Alexandra Pullen/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Photography Copyright 2026 © Alisha Lawton/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Ella Bradbury 
Morgan Hermiston