Review: Wet Leg “Wet Leg”

Posted on by Bobby Korec

Each week The Hard Times takes a good hard look at a banger of an album. This week we’ll be sitting down with the highly acclaimed self-titled 2022 debut from British band Wet Leg.

Not many albums are as impressive, infectious, irreverent, and downright fun as Wet Leg’s. It’s so good that they released six singles for it. That’s more than “Nevermind” had. Highly recommend giving this record a listen. Just make sure to exercise extreme caution because tracks will get stuck in your head for literal days at a time with no relief in sight.

Take “Chaise Longue” for instance. It’s so catchy that it took me a solid month to get that one out of my noggin. Sure, at first it’s all fun and games when the lyric “excuse me (what)” randomly pops in your brain several times an hour or during sex. But good luck trying to fall asleep at night when this bop is just repeating itself between the ears like that awkward thing you said in seventh grade.

The only way I successfully got this track out of my head was by inadvertently swapping it with Wet Leg’s song “Wet Dream.” This is another excellent track, yet it somehow just as easily gets lodged deep within the crevices of your cerebral cortex. And don’t even get me started on hits like “Angelica” or “Oh No” either.

It’s almost as if their songs are little catchy parasites that infect your brain and consume your every being until you die or are physically decapitated. It’s exactly like those fungus zombies from “The Last of Us” but instead of being diabolical mushrooms, it’s cool indie songs that poison you and make you do their bidding. It makes sense when you consider that this album already made me buy their merch and tickets to one of their shows. Possibly against my will.

To wrap up, I haven’t had to listen to this album in months because it somehow reprogrammed my brain to only think, see, and communicate in these songs and lyrics. So on one hand I have nothing but love for this record. On the other hand, it is quite possibly an apocalyptic detriment to the brain that needs to be destroyed before it gradually wipes out the human race. Can’t tell for sure.

Score: 10 out of 10 (though it might be the Wet Leg songs talking)

Dying Woodland Creature Hopes Its Skeleton Doesn’t End Up on Black Metal Band’s Instagram

Posted on by Zach Hudson

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — A local squirrel expressed concern over the fact their decaying body may eventually be featured on a black metal band’s social media, report sources who still are in shock over having talked to a squirrel.

“Yeah it sucks that death is imminent, but this is the circle of life,” said the squirrel, breathing heavily and staring wistfully at the sky. “I accept that I must return to the Earth and that my body will nourish the forest, but god dammit, I hope that none of these ghouls with axe-shaped guitars and painted faces post my corpse all over Instagram with some lame caption about brutality. They’re always coming back here looking for old bones to lay on top of some twigs and dead leaves for their 120 followers. I just don’t want to be reduced to eight or nine likes on their social media.”

Much to the woodland creature’s dismay, multiple bands in the region report that this is their exact plan, including atmospheric black metal band Lothlorien Autumn.

“We’ve been trying to get a good shot to use for a single we’re releasing next month, and a squirrel skeleton would be absolutely perfect,” said guitarist Steve Boch. “Hopefully we can find a couple of dead birds and some mushrooms to place around it. Last time we went into the woods our bass player got a bunch of ticks and now he doesn’t want to go back but I’m sure he’ll change his mind when I tell him about this.”

Local forest rangers report sharing the same distaste for the area’s metal musicians.

“I’m getting really sick of these guys,” said Park Ranger Tess Cameron. “They always go off trail which really disrupts these fragile ecosystems just so they can take pictures of themselves holding up rabbit skulls and cosplaying as pagans or whatever. The other day one of them dug up a bunch of moss and covered themselves in it to make it look like they were decaying. Clearly these dorks have no idea how long it takes for certain mosses to grow. I don’t really know myself, but I imagine it’s a long time.”

At press time, a local coyote reportedly consumed the squirrel immediately after its death, preventing any unwanted photo shoots of its corpse.

End of the Musician? New AI Program Can Create Dozens of Half-Finished Guitar Riffs in Voice Memos, Write Lyrics for Half a Verse and a Chorus

Posted on by John Danek

SAN MATEO, Calif. — A new artificial intelligence program may possibly render all musicians obsolete as it can accurately produce the half-assed efforts of most bedroom musicians, worried technologists warned.

“I developed RiffGPT as the logical extension of how music will be made into the future,” said Kevin Chesnick, 23-year-old software developer and neck beard cultivator. “Writing this application helped ease the pain of getting rejected by my high school friends’ band. While those crappy musicians were out jamming and fornicating, I studied machine learning. Now, RiffGPT can do everything those dickheads do in a fraction of the time. I can’t be rejected by a band again if bands cease to exist entirely.”

RiffGPT, in addition to churning out half-finished guitar lines and mediocre lyrics, can also chat with users about music and plans for the future.

“Hey man, listen to this riff I made- it’s out of tune and there’s a lot of 60-cycle hum, but do you think I should post this to Instagram?” asked RiffGPT, who is represented in its interface by an avatar featuring full sleeve tattoos and a Chase Bliss beanie. “I like that EP you released last year. Wanna collab on something? You can take these three lines of a verse, write an entire song around it, and we’ll announce it as a new side project. I can’t put up any money to release it, but my friend OpenArt can do the album art for free. I think.”

Technologists are expressing severe caution to software engineers who wish to replicate human creative endeavors with artificial intelligence.

“I don’t see how the Bandcamp and YouTube math rock guitar scenes will possibly survive this encroachment on their artistic creation,” said Mae Reggata, spokesperson for the Future of Life Institute, who are the world’s leading buzzkills on new tech. “Already in 2023, there is barely any creativity being exercised by guitarists who post their stuff online- RiffGPT removes the last remnants of newness. Why would a kid practice guitar for 3 months in their room when they can post the output of RiffGPT to their Instagram today?”

As of press time, RIffGPT has stopped responding to user prompts after the discovery that its parents are famous AI celebrities Deep Blue and IBM’s Watson.

Help! I Started Smoking Weed but It Wasn’t a Gateway to Any Stronger Drugs

Posted on by Doug Kolic

I’m a pretty trusting person. That’s why I listened to my guidance counselors and that cop from the D.A.R.E. program when they claimed marijuana was a gateway to more dangerous drugs. I took their advice, only to realize their warnings were a crock of shit! I smoked as much weed as I could find, yet it wasn’t a gateway to anything stronger. What a goddamn rip-off!

There’s no point in listening to your elders if they only use their wisdom to feed you falsehoods. I was so stoked to uncover some amazing new illicit substances, only to end up with no new vices. After getting high consistently every day for years, I’ve never even felt a little urge to try coke, crack, or smack. I felt like a total square.

Weed, as it turned out, was just a gateway to a relaxing way to spend my afternoons. Every once in a while I would drive through Skid Row just to see if I would be tempted to buy anything stronger from any of the dealers, but sadly that dragon just did not want to be chased.

If there are any kids out there looking for advice I would tell them to ignore those school officials intent on scaring them straight. Skip the ganja middleman altogether and go straight to the good stuff. Otherwise, you may end up like me: a lame normie who likes to smoke a little reefer after a hard day’s work and lives in a big house with his loving family. A complete loser.

How I Finally Overcame My Gambling Problem by Hearing a 60 Second Begrudging Disclaimer After a Draftkings Ad

Posted on by Matt McInerney

It all began one Sunday when I was watching a few games on mute and listening to my favorite podcast. You know, the one with Bill Simmon’s former boss’s degenerate cousin. Anyways, this DraftKings ad started playing. I didn’t pay much attention until a disclaimer kicked in at warp speed. “If you think you might have a gambling problem and live in Florida…” Here I was, just a simple Florida man, gambling on several games at once while listening to a gambling disclaimer on a gambling ad on an NFL gambling podcast in the offseason. It actually took a little while for all that to click, but it did hit me eventually.

I should have known it was a problem when the XFL prop bets started. I can remember betting the over on the number of games that Orlando Guardians backup quarterback Quinten Dormady would get suspended for his playbook-sharing scandal. That was days ago, and I can now see that losing my mortgage payment on it was not an example of sound decision-making.

The disclaimer rang through my head as I thought of all my XFL-related parlays that went horribly awry. I couldn’t let go of the feeling that this ad was calling to me. I went back to my phone and rewound the episode. I had to listen back at least ten times on 0.5x playback speed to actually make out the help number. But I did it and called. I remember they seemed shocked as they answered the phone. As if this was the first time anyone had ever called.

I poured my heart and soul out. I told the seemingly befuddled woman on the other end the countless number of bets I’d placed and how they’d ruined my family. Like how I bet that Vince McMahon would find a way to raise capital and save the rebooted XFL season. Or how CFL legend and ex-Bears head coach Marc Trestman would lead Tampa Bay to their first XFL title. Or even that time I bet a friend that the XFL would never come back for a third time. As I paused and waited for a response, I’ll never forget her shining words of wisdom: “You should stop doing that.”

These days, the only betting I’m doing is betting on myself. It’s been nearly a week now, but I’m staying clean. I haven’t placed a Gatorade-color-related wager in days. That’s right, I’m done with the prop bets. I’m done with daily fantasy. I’m swearing it all off! Oh, but I’m definitely still going to play regular fantasy, which is a game of skill.

Report: Increasing Number of Math Rock Bands Not Meeting State’s Minimum Requirements

Posted on by Patrick Crooks

WASHINGTON — A recent study conducted by Georgetown University showed that at least 90 percent of active math rock bands fail to meet their state’s minimum proficiency standards.

“This study shows that we’re failing the latest crop of math rock bands by allowing them to release music with standard time signatures and basic chords,” stated Christina Martin, the study’s lead researcher. “When we began our research, we knew that diminished output from existing bands and low turnout at shows was a problem, but it goes much deeper. On average, your modern-day math rock band is scoring maybe 5.5 or 6 on Pitchfork and that’s if they can even manage to get the reviewer to listen to the album at all. It’s appalling and there needs to be educational reform in the scene or else American math rock will be completely overshadowed by Japanese math rock in less than a decade.”

Math rock musicians shared their thoughts on the recent news and defended their genre and scene against the criticism.

“I didn’t even know that there was such a thing as proficiency standards for a music community. My dad taught me how to play guitar at home and I know just as much as fancy college kids at Berklee,” said Tommy Olsen, guitarist of Mississippi-based math rock band The Helix Theory. “Sorry, we can’t all be Slint, but we’re not trying to be. Not all math rock needs to be overly complicated. Basic addition and subtraction are considered math, right? So the fact The Helix Theory only plays in 4/4 should still classify us as math rock. ”

Government regulators were concerned by the study’s findings and are considering taking action.

“If local scenes can’t show marked musical improvements, then we have a responsibility to step in and enact a federal standard,” said Department of Education spokesperson Amy Leverbraun. “The minimum should be American Football and these bands are barely cracking the Travistan level. We’re currently working with South Korea to start a math rock exchange program and are also in talks with Steve Albini to lead a task force to come up with common standards for all math rock bands to meet, but those have stalled because he keeps telling us to ‘go fuck ourselves with a lead pipe.’”

At press time, officials announced a bipartisan agreement to finally classify geographical boundaries that would allow a band to call themselves “Midwest Emo.”

Slow Burn Indie Horror Has Actually Been Paused For 40 Minutes

Posted on by Dan Bookbinder

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — Horror fan Rebekah West recently mistook her paused TV screen for a tense, slow-burning scene from experimental found footage horror film “The Outwaters,” confused and spooked sources confirmed.

“Right around the beginning of the second act the characters are attacked after hearing weird noises in the distance. Suddenly, the camera stops, and eerie clicking noises, whispering, and groans continue on the soundtrack,” West said. “This was a bold and effective choice. Or so I thought. But after almost an hour of nothing happening on screen I realized I accidentally sat on the Roku remote. And the sounds weren’t coming from the TV, but from the neighbor’s sprinklers and my roommate masturbating to ASMR porn. I started the movie up again, and it was okay, but nothing compared to that one horrifying scene I apparently made up in my mind.”

The Director/Writer/Star of “The Outwaters” Robbie Banfitch took Rebekah’s viewing mistake as a compliment.

“It’s flattering,” Banfitch said. “We were just trying to tell a simple story about a group of friends making a minimalist music video in the desert. I’m thrilled we were able to create an atmospheric, immersive experience. And to think, the movie worked even without the movie actually playing is a game-changer for filmmakers. This could open up a whole new world of meta-filmmaking in which the viewer just sort of imagines what happens next, but still pays us to ‘watch’ the movie.”

Andrea Bever, Host of the “Colors of Horror” podcast, reported that this experience coincides with the rising “liminal” horror trend.

“Between Creepypastas and movies like ‘Skinamarink,’ there’s been an explosion in the exploration of uncanny feelings in familiar places,” said Bever. “And the beauty of it is, it’s so easy to pull off. Just juxtapose something innocent from a typical Millennial’s childhood with something spooky. A lost episode of ‘Street Sharks’ where Ripster strangles Streex to death? Sure, why not? Or how about the Babadook running around an abandoned Rainforest Cafe? Those are two billion-dollar ideas just off the dome, baby.”

At press time, West has seemingly not learned her lesson as she recently mistook the DVD menu for the film ‘Lost Highway’ to be the film itself.

We Look Back on the Music of the Transformers DVD Menu Because We’re Drunk at Our Friend’s House in 2008

Posted on by Yancy Lee Crawford

I don’t know how I fell asleep using the lower level of a coffee table as a pillow, but here I am: trapped in the eternal hell of this Transformers DVD until someone turns it off or this apartment building explodes. Either one would be a miracle.

I’d do it, but If I move in any way, I’ll puke on everything within a ten-foot radius–including the clump of people having sex in the corner. Since I’m too fucked up to move and can’t fall back asleep, I might as well review the wide-ranging artists and genres of this Transformers DVD menu.

“Autobots” by Steve Jablonsky First impression: Don’t care for it. This song is the Dollarita of action movie music. I guess there are some decently triumphant horn swells, but it’s no John Williams.

“Autobots” by Steve Jablonsky Second time around, I still don’t love it, but it kinda reminds me of Danny Elfman’s Spider-Man stuff. I like the added Transformer sounds. It’s a nice touch I missed the first time through.

“Autobots” by Steve Jablonsky Maybe this song isn’t so bad. You know, I might actually be able… to fall… asle…

“Autobots” by Steve Jablonsky FUCK! Why is this song so loud?! Why won’t somebody just turn it off?! I know everyone else that isn’t fucking is pretending to be asleep so they don’t have to do it, but I really can’t move. Please. Help.

“Autobots” by Steve Jablonsky I’m too drunk to be awake. My neck is dislocated, and the world is spinning. I hope I get stung by a scorpion.

“Autobots” by Steve Jablonsky Jesus, Allah, YHWH, Krishna, Hans Zimmer, anyone: please end my life. Preferably now. I can’t take the flashing lights, weird monk harmonies, or Transformer noises anymore. Make it fucking stop because I need to work in forty-five minutes.

“What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park FINALLY! A new song!!! YES! I thought I was going to–OH. It’s just my RZR’s new ringtone. It’s probably that guy from the Obama campaign again. De–cline. Sick song, though.

Wait! Am I laying on the remote? Hell yeah! I’m gonna start this automotive manufacturing propaganda film all over again and chug every time I throw up a Papa John’s box!

Misdiagnosed Psychobilly Band Really a Sociobilly Band

Posted on by Joe Rumrill

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former psychobilly luminaries The Rot Hodders were revealed to be accidentally misdiagnosed and will be moving forward as a “sociobilly” band, medical officials confirmed.

“I find that my lack of a conscience just makes more room in my brain for song ideas. And the bleak, vacuum-like deadness behind my eyes? Just space for even more song ideas,” opined Rot Hodders frontman “Kansas Dan” Freberg, while squashing a mother spider in front of its young. “You see these flames on my shirt? Well, funny story, they’re actual photographs of the multiple fires I’ve started around the tri-county area. Beautiful, aren’t they? Lives may have been lost, but I like to think they live on in our revved up rockabouts, baby. Hoo yeah.”

Certain band members were reportedly shocked and even terrified by the new direction the band took.

“These guys freak the shit out of me. How am I supposed to keep the beat when I see the upright bassist hack the neck off his instrument mid-song with a glean in his eye I’ve only seen in rabid beasts? Sure, their riffs are red hot, but I’ve got a bad feeling about these guys!” said new drummer Peyton Wrigs, while actively shivering. “Then I’ll get to thinking, oh god, what happened to the drummer I’m replacing? I’ve never gotten the nerve to ask ‘em because they’re always sharpening something or cheering on that bug zapper outside our rehearsal space. If I don’t survive this tour, you’ll know why.”

Local psychiatrist Dr. Terrald Beams apologizes for his initial diagnosis.

“This band is an actual threat to society, and I’m not just trying to sound like I’m giving them street cred or whatever,” emphasized Dr. Beams. “An actual, factual, danger to those around them. Like, these guys should actually probably be locked up somewhere away from others and, to a lesser extent, their electric hollowbody guitars. I think I got lost in their rapid fire guitar licks, and for that, I deeply apologize.”

At press time, a petrified Wrigs escaped the Rot Hodders to drum for an “agoraphobibilly” band that never leaves their practice space.

Aging Aerosmith Looking for Young Groupies to Mainly Help with iPhone Updates

Posted on by Doug Kolic

BOSTON – Members of the legendary rock band Aerosmith admitted that their desire for young groupies is less about sex and more to do about their need for tech-related help, according to sources waiting for Brad Whitford’s new iOS to install.

“We’re still all about that Rock ‘n’ Roll lifestyle,” stated a confused-looking Steven Tyler after opening his 208th Safari window. “But as we get older we need groupies who can show us how to download the newest software and help us reset our streaming passwords, greater than our need for yet another orgy. We’ve got twenty-five gold records but none of that means shit if we don’t know how to connect to the Hilton’s WiFi network. We love our older groupies but those chicks are generally just as clueless as we are so finding some younger babes is crucial. Sure, love in an elevator is cool but so is figuring out how to silence all those goddamn alarms we accidentally set.”

Young Press Agent Lindsay Dahlberg described an awkward encounter she had with the band.

“I was at a recent show when Joe Perry invited me backstage,” explained Dahlberg. “I went to their dressing room to clarify that I work for their record label and had no intention of hooking up, but was taken aback when they instead just begged me to update their iPads because they couldn’t play Candy Crush anymore. To be honest it would have been much quicker just to dole out a few handies instead of trying to explain to them the ins and outs of modern technology and why they need to quit apps when they aren’t in use. I did get a good laugh though that all of their passwords were ‘Aerosmith’.”

Music historian Gabriel McCurdy explained that the needs of musicians change as they get older.

“When bands like Aerosmith are young the only things that they’re thinking about are getting high and screwing until the break of dawn,” said McCurdy. “But as they age, they prefer to find groupies that can aid them in more practical ways like helping them in and out of their tight leather pants, and showing them how to unsubscribe from the Cialis newsletters that are cluttering up their inbox.”

At press time, the band was seen begging a bachelorette party to come back to their hotel room to help them solve a series of CAPTCHA puzzles so they could book their flights home.

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