It’s a dark and wet Friday night, and what better than to take a two-hour drive into the centre of Bristol City to capture the UK’s finest indie rock band Wet Leg to brighten up the evening after a hellish week at work.
The centre was bustling with commuters heading home for the weekend and shoppers travelling to the Christmas market. The traffic was chocablock as the heavens opened on arrival to this sold-out night at the infamous Bristol Beacon.
There were only two bands playing tonight, with a curfew of 10:15 pm, and despite the time cracking on, punters were strolling in pretty late to fill this 1800 capacity venue. With the extra-long journey to drive into the centre of town during rush hour, the Christmas market, and another gig on across the road at the O2 Academy being on at the same time, it’s fair to say that many others were probably struggling to find a parking space before the show.
With a press pass in hand, it was a long march to the front of the hall to get into the pit, ready to set up where security had already been lining up cups of water on the floor in anticipation of a hot and sweaty night. As blue lights shone upon the stage, a rolling LED sign reading ‘FAUX REAL’ was placed at the back – a clue maybe?
The stage was also looking a bit sparse; just two microphones and the oddest-looking guitar shaped like a padlock paced next to one of them. When the clock struck 8pm, two figures suddenly appeared amongst the thick smoke all dressed in white. As they placed themselves into an embrace, white beams of light angelically lit them from above before the music kicked in.
Looking like two peas in a pod, these two brothers from France with symmetrical and acrobatic moves are indeed Faux Real. Since their formation in 2020, the Arndt brothers have already released several singles and EPs, and in 2024 released their debut album ‘Faux Ever’, which has received a huge number of irrefutable reviews. Their 80’s electro-pop vibe and highly dynamic acrobatics on stage kept us photographers on our toes, and combined with hints of Autotune, made an interesting performance like no other act in this era.
‘Scratch’ was far the most gratifying of their set, with its techno-loaded stomping bass that beat heavily throughout, and slices of shallow vocals. A darker track than the rest of their set but very moving to watch and listen to in such a large venue with incredible acoustics.
The dramatic lighting exalted every move they made as they leapt across the stage, making time to mingle in the crowd and entice them into joining in with ‘Walking Away with my Demons’. As the crowd parted like the sea for their last track, ‘Kindred Spirits’, the brothers requested that the venue lights be turned off and that everyone hold up their phones with the torches turned on. “This is our last song, Bristol. You’ve been fucking amazing! Enjoy Wet Leg and have a good night!”. They continued with their acrobatics within the crowd, swapping microphones as their set drew to a close. There was a definite buzz that Faux Real left behind, which certainly left the crowd ready for Wet Leg. They made a big impact for a band that has only been around for a short amount of time, and they put on one hell of a performance.
Photography: Emma Painter
The Beacon was now at max capacity as you looked around the gods to see every seat occupied. The pit was filled with even more photographers, whilst the stage was set up with pedalboards and enough dry ice to smoke them all like a bunch of kippers.
Time was running out fast, and there was no sign of Wet Leg, who were due on stage at 9 pm. But the crowd seemed happy to be entertained with the fill-in music for the meantime.
The stage was now thick with smoke, and the lights at the back of the stage were put on full beam as each member of the band appeared like magic.
The notorious ‘Catch these Fists’ was first on the Wet Legs set as they jumped straight into it; no messing and that crowd were gagging for it, with arms up in the air. It was like trying to find your way through impenetrable fog on a dark night to catch a glimpse of vocalist Rhian Teasdale on the stage. Dressed in the usual attire of polka dot fitted shorts and a cropped t-shirt, her lean and petite figure began to emerge in between the puffs of smoke. But it was short-lived. As the face of Wet Leg, everyone was desperate to see the lass from Merseyside, known for her vivacity on stage.
Swaying those hips and curling her biceps, co-founder Hester Chambers on guitar, Ellis Durand on bass, Josh Mobaraki on guitar with drummer Henry Holmes, remained behind Teasdale, who stood in a front double-bicep position whilst singing. Despite her vocals being softly spoken with a touch of innocence, she grabs the mic closely to her mouth with dominance.
After a few hits from both of their albums ‘Wet Leg’ and ‘Moisturiser’, Durand spoke a few words, asking “who wants to fucking scream??”, as the crowd yelled at the top of their voices.
Teasdale swings her green transparent Fender Jazzmaster around in a frenzy, then twirls her hair seductively between her fingers as she reaches for the mic, shouting ‘1, 2, 3….’ to the bobbing heads in the crowd. Still swinging her guitar in circles, the stage is lit by strobes, creating a silhouette of her.
“Yeah, that was some great screaming”, hurled Durand. “We’ve got a guest on stage playing the tambourine”, when a character appeared at the back of the stage, which looked like someone dressed in an almighty huge, white wig obscured by a Palestinian flag. They only stayed for one track before disappearing.
The crowd were now lost in the mix as Wet Leg continued to race through their 70-minute setlist and throwing out hit after hit; that was until they toned things right down with ’11:21′. Minimal lighting and bubbles were launched from either side of the stage as Teasdale sat down and delicately purred the lyrics for this velvety love song. She crawled on all fours and let the wind blow through her hair sporadically as the track expired—a total contrast for the night that almost haunted the room.
Back to what the band are renowned for with ‘Pillow Talk’ (aka Dragon Fart); a rather X-rated rundown of the intense desire and longing for a person. Teasdale makes full use of playful, provocative vocals to describe the intimacy of “pillow talk,” both with and without a partner. The song blends sensuality with longing and features a mix of flirtatious lines, obsessive thoughts and an explicit desire. A great track from their ‘Moisturiser’ album that’s sure to get the male species amongst the crowd a little hot under the collar. Like a Goddess, she has everyone mesmerised with her beauty.
It was at this moment of the night that we had the first bit of interaction between tracks from Teasdale, too. “Hey, it’s so great to be back in Bristol”, she said. “You used to live here, didn’t you?” asked Durand. She giggles, “Yeah, for a little bit. This is a great intro to the next song, ‘You and me at home again’, as the band play this feel-good track, again from their ‘Moisturiser’ album.
The night was moving fast as it hit 10 pm. With only a few tracks left, ‘Chaise Longue’ had to feature on the setlist. The night just wouldn’t be the same without it. After all, it was the hit that set the wheels in motion for the band back in 2021, and soon became one of the UK’s favourite earworms, which only consisted of Teasdale and Chambers when it was released.
It looked like every mobile phone in the crowd came out to capture the moment on video as the band were blasted with red lights as they jumped and cheered to this iconic track. Teasdale took complete ownership of the stage as she travelled from side to side to get that little bit closer to everyone watching.
‘CPR’ was the penultimate track of the night, and what a banger. Teasdale grasped the transmitter of an old phone as she softly sang the lyrics into its mouthpiece, standing at random to strike another pose and display her sculpted physique.
Finishing with ‘Mangetout’, their set came to a swift close and a little later than anticipated. It was now approaching 10:30 pm, and unfortunately, the band didn’t provide fans with an encore.
Nonetheless, since the release of their debut self-titled album, the changes that the band have made by adding live musicians Josh Mobaraki on guitar, bassist Ellis Durand, and drummer Henry Holmes have seen them revive a much heavier and profound sound. Their ‘Moisturiser’ album is pervaded with tales of love and honesty that come from the heart but are doused with attitude—an absolute masterpiece from this 5-piece that originated in the Isle of Wight.
The band have gone from strength to strength in this cut-throat music industry and has given their listeners quite a bit to talk about. Their presence on stage is phenomenal, and long may their success continue.
A must for anyone who needs a ‘hit’. Forget the beer, or anything else for that matter. This band are the REAL DEAL.
Photography: Emma Painter
