INHALER - ‘CUTS & BRUISES’

Writer’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dublin-based quartet Inhaler was fully formed in 2015, self-releasing their own music in 2017 and gaining recognition in 2020 after being placed on the BBC’s Sound of 2020 list. In 2021 the band released their debut album, ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’, which debuted at no.1 in both the UK & Irish Official Charts and led to Inhaler being the first Irish group to top the Album Charts with a debut in 13 years. Their sophomore album ‘Cuts and Bruises’ sees them reunite with producer Antony Genn for 11 tracks about heartbreak, youth, and the band’s recent success.

Opening track ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’ shows frontman Elijah Hewson questioning himself and existentialism of youth against a mix of drums, guitar and synths, with the lyrics; “maybe I’ll be stronger, maybe I’m a freak / maybe I’ll be faithful even if I was a cheat” – the song suggests he is trying to keep his partner happy, yet the song’s distorted bridge shows the effect this effort may be having on him. This starts the themes of the album, with Hewson stating that “the subject matters of the songs are still all about coming-of-age stuff […] but it also became a little bit more about being in a band. These songs are less about the world around us, and more about what's going on inside Inhaler.”

The album then leads into the upbeat single, ‘Love Will Get You There’, and is followed by stand out track ‘So Far So Good’ – a guitar heavy song with a mix of pop that details a breakup with a catchy chorus. ‘These Are The Days’, another single which was released over the summer, follows this track as the band express their feelings about growing up with the band and getting used to their newfound fame, alongside an impressive bass riff from Robert Keating.

This follows into their most recent single for the album, ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’, is a mix of piano and electric guitar intertwining to create a soft heartbreak song. ‘Perfect Storm’ details a tumultuous relationship whilst taking on the classic Inhaler rock sound, with the same relationship possibly being referenced through wave imagery in ‘Valentine’, a song where Hewson attempts to persuade his partner to be his valentine – despite their lack of reciprocation and commitment.

The band also included a previously unreleased yet fan favourite song about their hometown, ‘Dublin in Ecstasy’, which has only been played at live shows. Penultimate track ‘The Things I Do’ is the only song that fully strays away from the trademark sound the band have created for themselves, as it features a synth heavy sound that leans more towards pop than rock as Hewson sings again about a lack of reciprocation in a relationship. ‘Now You Got Me’ closes ‘Cuts and Bruises’, as the album concludes with a declaration of infatuation and submission for their loved one.

Inhaler jumped into starting their sophomore album over winter of 2021 – and clearly haven’t found themselves in a slump, with each track confirming that the band have earned their place as rising stars in the industry, playing festivals like Glastonbury and opening for the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Harry Styles. ‘Cuts and Bruises’ is certain to be a hit, and the songs can easily be translated into a voracious live show, making their upcoming gigs for the album unmissable events for any fan.

‘Cuts and Bruises’ is out 17th February via Polydor.