INHALER — ‘OPEN WIDE’

Writer’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Irish indie band Inhaler are back with their third album Open Wide. Following on from It won’t always be like this (2021) and Cuts & Bruises (2023). Having been a band since their teenage years, Inhaler are beginning to really find themselves as band. The indie alternative scene is often crowded, but Inhaler have made themselves stand out as unique with this third outing, with great production, and strong lyrics the album stands as unquie.

This time being produced by Kid Harpoon, who previously worked on Harry Styles’ 2022 Album Harry’s House. The producer's influence is heard all over this album , songs featured on the album feature some of the same melodic tones of Harry’s House. The decision too work with the producer on this record has really payed of for inhaler in helping them too craft and advance their sound for this record.

The album has some more “poppy” tones compared to the bands earlier albums which favoured more of a indie sound. The ‘pop’ tones do work here and help too expand and curate a more vibrant sound for the band. However the indie tones are definitely still present on this album but the pop tones and what worked on the previous albums is carried well into this outing. The mix of the pop and indie guitars make for a unique sound.

Just like earlier albums, Elijah Hewson’s vocals are a highlight, providing strong vocals on all the tracks. His vocals at times are very reminiscent of his father, U2s Bono. Especially in the song ‘Still Young’ a song that carries similar tones too U2 whilst having the vibe of a inhaler song. This song is a highlight of the album, where the lyrics perhaps are the strongest and the melody is gorgeous. It plays with idea of being young and what it means being someone in their mid 20s.

The song writing is strong in this album, with catchy well thought out lyrics such as in ‘Even Though’ with lyrics “set me loose from a cage, like a bird from a cage”, and in songs like ‘Your House’, with “there ain’t a sharp enough knife too cut me out of your life”. Whilst they show too be some of the best lyrics inhaler have written in songs such as in ‘Still Young’ and ‘Concrete’. The lyrics will aim too be screamed by fans on tour.

The Albums lead single ‘Your House’ is a track which I feel summarises the bands sound, a indie sound which is not afraid too take any risks in expanding that sound. This song has been all over indie radio stations and has fitted with the indie radio station vibe. The song also sounds very much like it was made too be performed live, with lyrics and guitar riffs ready for a venue .

The track ‘Open Wide’ starts with a small build which is slightly reminiscent of ‘music for a sushi restaurant’ by Harry styles. The song is a deep song that talks about a toxic relationship and wanting too get free from that relationship , this makes for a interesting indie song with some dark undertones. ‘All I Got is You’ is another stand out track, it reminds me of the tones of cuts and bruises and sounds like it could also fit on that album, it has a similar tone too ‘When I Have Her On My Mind’ and ‘Valentine’. Inhaler continues the love song theme with this track.

The album starts strong with ‘Eddie in the darkness’ and ends strong with ‘Little things’. Overall the album is a good listen, with the standout tracks being ‘Your House’, ‘Eddie In The Darkness’, ‘Open Wide’, ‘All I Got Is You’ And ‘Little Things’, with the biggest highlight of the album being ‘Still Young’ .

It is clear that inhaler have a strong future as a band and will keep making music that their fans will truly resonate with. In some ways this albums a departure from the sound of their previous albums, however the strengths of the previous album make the advancement in the sound what is in the album. A strong outing with some melodic songs.

Fans can see Inhaler play their new album and their hits on tour this February with dates in Manchester, Nottingham and London. They also return too Banquet Records and The Leadmill for special album shows this up coming April.