By IW Observer.co.uk
Island music lovers will be on the edge of their seats this afternoon (Friday), waiting to find out whether Island indie band, Wet Leg, will head straight to the number one spot of the UK official album chart.
The band, fronted by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, has already achieved incredible success and global recognition with singles, such as ‘Chaise Longue’ and ‘Angelica’, and Islanders are hoping that will be repeated with their debut album, released last week and named simply ‘Wet Leg’.
On Monday, the official charts website revealed that the Islanders were way out in front, outselling their closest competition, Father John Misty, by almost 4 to 1. But with the likes of established superstars Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ed Sheeran, Olivia Rodrigo and Little Mix also vying for top spot, Wet Leg, by pulling it off, will be a phenomenal achievement. The band, which also includes Ellis Durand on bass, Henry Holmes on drums and percussion and Joshua Mobaraki, with additional guitars and synthesizer, and all three contributing to backing vocals, has just completed a sell-out tour of America. Their UK and Irish tours this month and in November have also completely sold out, even the extra London 02 Forum date added due to demand.
One man keeping ‘everything crossed’ will be Wet Leg’s Island-based PR, Simon Blackmore, of Black Arts PR. He said: “It’s very exciting – we’ve got everything crossed for Wet Leg today in terms of the UK official album chart. They have made such a brilliant debut record, and it’s so great that the Island has the hottest band on the planet. Today could be the very first time an Isle of Wight band scores a No.1 album.”
Another beneficiary of the band’s global success may the be the Isle of Wight itself. A spokesman from Visit Isle of Wight said: “Wet Leg are doing an incredible job of bringing the Isle of Wight to a global audience, highlighting not only the Island as a fantastic destination, but also the incredible wealth of talent here. Their ‘Tiny Desk (Home)’ concert shot at Ventnor Exchange and other videos showcasing the Island is a great opportunity for even more awareness of the beauty of this amazing location. Visit Isle of Wight wishes them well and hope they hit the number one spot in the album charts!”
You can listen live to the album chart results on Radio One at around 4.15pm this afternoon or find out on-line at officialcharts.com.
Isle of Wight Observer