When Eli Hewson and his mates Robert, Ryan and Josh formed Inhaler, there was always a chance they would fall into the pitfall of being known as, ‘Bono’s son’s band’. Yet after an excellent debut album and sold-out tours, they’re instead gaining recognition as one of the most exciting bands in the indie rock scene. There’s one main reason for this — their music is first class.

Whether it be the snappy bass riff of My Honest Face or the sillier Ice Cream Sundae, the band showed that they have an ear for a catchy refrain that could please both radio listeners and more seasoned music fans. Add in the fact they have support slots for Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys in the coming year; day-one fans can expect an explosion of new listeners soon.

Yet despite this, Inhaler have seemed to be lodged between different identities. They have the guitar leads and looks to be an indie rock band, but their music at times feels like a modern version of past pop. Take the second single Love Will Get You There, for example. Upbeat and infectious, the song’s lyrics thrive in their own sweetness and sincereness. Or These Are The Days, making up for lack of experimentation in style with its slick instrumentation and anthemic chorus.

Dublin In Ecstacy is one of the more impressive album tracks, with Hewson reflecting on his childhood in his home city, “When the arc lights used to dampen and die/We were never thinking much, only sometimes” while Jenkinson stands out on lead guitar with crisp playing that has a bit of grit to it. Meanwhile, Valentine is a welcomed change of pace, with echoed guitars low in the mix helping to create a woozy atmosphere that Hewson shines in.

Now You Got Me, however, is a somewhat weaker song to end the album on compared to the rest, with the track lacking a sense of finality and purpose. While not inoffensive in the slightest, it feels as though it could have been anywhere else in the tracklist without making a difference to the final cut.

Cuts and Bruises shows that maybe Inhaler don’t need a clear identity, and can just be four mates having fun and expressing their feelings through music. Diehard fans will get exactly what they wanted here and more, delivering on the potential they showed on their debut with moments of maturity and excellent songwriting. Inhaler’s legacy is only just beginning.

Inhaler UK Tour Dates

  • 16th February – Leeds, O2 Academy
  • 17th February – Newcastle, NX
  • 18th February – Liverpool University, Mountford Hall
  • 20th February – Norwich, The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA
  • 21st February – Cardiff, University Great Hall
  • 23rd February – Nottingham, Rock City
  • 24th February – Birmingham, O2 Academy 1
  • 25th February – Bristol, O2 Academy 1
  • 19th May – Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse
  • 20th May – London, O2 Academy Brixton
  • 8th July – TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow Green
  • 26th – Reading Festival
  • 27th – Leeds Festival