Inhaler Return with Two Singles in the Lead-Up to Third Studio Album 'Open Wide'
Irish Quartet Inhaler has returned with two singles titled 'Open Wide' and 'Your House' in the lead-up to their third album titled 'Open Wide'. Following their critically acclaimed sophomore album 'Cuts & Bruises' released in February of 2023, which reached Number 1 in the Irish Music Charts, and Number 2 in the British equivalent. One can see, that Inhaler have set a standard for themselves which could prove difficult to best/maintain.
Yet, with these two singles, they have done a pretty damn good job. Now, what I'm about to say is a bit Marmitey: ye either love it, or ye hate it (as the saying goes). But... I love a bit of change, sonically, anyway. Whilst some absolutely detest the notion of an artist straying from their 'signature' sound, I am all for it. That being said, from the moment I pressed play on the first single, 'Your House,' I could immediately hear the change that this album is bringing. Forget the traditional jangles of the indie-rock sound, deeply rooted in guitar tones. No, not this time. This time, say hello to the world of synths and drums laced with the serotonin-inducing sound of bass, low bass. It strangely reminded me of the classic '80s track 'Tainted Love' by Soft Cell. Also, while Inhaler is a band in its own right, lead vocalist Elijah Hewson's father is Bono (lead vocalist of the Irish rock band U2). This is, in my opinion, completely irrelevant to their success. However, it is relevant to this review because I would like to note just how reminiscent of Bono's vocal capability Hewsons' voice is. While their discography may wildly differ, if you're a fan of U2 or have dabbled in, and enjoyed their music, then Inhaler may be up your alley.
I was further surprised by the second single (notably, the title track of the album), 'Open Wide'. While it's rooted in the same sonic world as 'Your House', it is different. Leaving the synths and the low bass sounds behind, we enter a world of a weird hybrid of indie and, loosely, a sort of '90s jungle trance - which, upon reflection, reads weird as fuck, but sounds great, trust me. Also, the first half of the song builds up to a nice crescendo in the latter half, which, I mean, who doesn't love a crescendo? Finally, if you're still not sold, it's got a catchy hook - you'll be singing this for days in the weirdest of places, and it will remain in your subconscious, really.
Coming from the North of Ireland but based in the North of England, I find a great deal of comfort in listening to Irish artists. A slice of home, if you will, makes my heart warmer. Inhaler fit the bill, yet it wasn't always like this.
In October of 2018, I caught Inhaler at the Oh Yeah Music Centre opening for another notable Irish Quartet, The Academic, who were touring their Irish Number 1 album 'Tales From The Backseat' (which remains a classic). At this point, Inhaler only had two tracks out from the 'I Want You' EP and were still relatively unknown, in the North anyway. All this to say, I was unimpressed. I stood there, arms crossed, stiff, frown on my face, and unfortunately, the band definitely noticed. Hewson did anyway. One of my core memories of this gig was the stares I got from the stage to the point that my friend asked me "Is he staring at you?" Honestly Eva, do better. However, I remained unimpressed until the release of 'My Honest Face' in 2019, which ended up being one of my favourite songs and remains one to this day. Maybe that initial EP was an Inhaler who were young and dabbling in the haunted, broody, sound of what we all feel at that age - but the Inhaler of recent years have a sound that is instantly recognisable, and most of all, confident. It seems that Inhaler have found their sound, dabbling in different genres, but always remaining authentic to their themselves and their ever-changing art.
So, check the singles out, catch the album on February 7th (2025), and Inhaler if you're reading this - I'm sorry for being such a miserable fuck during your opening slot seven years ago, you smashed it, and are continuing to smash it. Kudos to you.
