Much has changed since Dublin natives Inhaler released their breakaway single ‘My Honest Face’ back in 2019. In the years since, their city has gone on to develop itself as a trailblazer in the guitar scene, with awards from the UK often travelling across the Irish Sea back to the homes of those leading the line. In that time, there’s been an expectation created for what a Dublin band should sound like. Grungy bass tones, wailing guitars and a frontman who leans heavily into their own accent. Much to their credit, Inhaler don’t seem to be interested in fitting that mould.
Since the release of the previously mentioned single – a tightly-knitted, bass-driven groove banger – Eli Hewson and co have also gone on to establish themselves as a mainstay act, with their reliability perhaps being their biggest strength. With two albums released, the group were yet to release a bad song, and not much has changed on that debate with ‘Open Wide’. Their third album arrives at a time when Inhaler feel like they are ready for lift-off. Millions of streams haven’t quite translated to festival headline spots yet, but their latest attempt might have the key – an unapologetic pop diversion.
When the band released first single ‘Your House’ it was clear they had chosen a new direction. Inhaler has never been a band to let the mosh pits ensue, but this new venture only promised an increasing chance of radio time. A glossier production style and uplifting backing vocals only gave fans something to be excited about. For a first attempt at a more mainstream effort, it lands on both of its feet with confidence, even if its verses can sometimes leave an awkward emptiness in between the immense chorus. Their Geordie contemporary Sam Fender once described them as ‘alternative pop’, and heading into their third album, it seemed as though they had largely decided to leave the alternative part behind.
Album opener ‘Eddie In The Darkness’ also shows off one of the band’s biggest strengths – Hewson’s voice. While the resemblance to father Bono may come off as uncanny sometimes, it still manages to wrestle its way away from the limelight of its superstar relation and be itself. The accompanying instrumental carries it to the finish line as well, with a terrific bass line due to Robert Keating’s playing. Meanwhile, follow-up ‘Billy’ is potentially the catchiest song they have ever written, resembling something that could appear on Harry Styles’ next album. It’s simply a brilliant pop song, and Josh Jenkinson’s simplistic guitar playing only has you asking for more.
While Inhaler’s light-listening style of songwriting is often played to its own strengths, a trend of occasional hiccups comes up again on their third record. Single ‘A Question Of You’ doesn’t feel like much we haven’t heard before, and isn’t helped by a slightly flat solo. Album tracks come quick and fast throughout, and while efforts such as ‘Even Though’ set a steady pace thanks to a smooth underlying acoustic jam, there are slight bumps along the road. ‘The Charms’ feels slightly forgettable, slowing things down when it didn’t feel necessary. Thankfully, ‘X-Ray’ serves as a reminder that the boys are a guitar-band first and foremost, with a tone that shakes its way through the mix before a stubborn riff stomps into the chorus. A special mention is deserved of ‘Still Young’ as well – Hewson’s vocal phrasing remains infectious and culminates into a finale that is perhaps the albums most euphoric.
With their third effort, Inhaler have now proved over and over again why their music is so successful – its simplicity never seems to let them down. The group’s youth isn’t going to go away anytime soon, and with a new direction the band feels exciting again as to where they can go. Whatever direction they chose to go in for their fourth record, you can feel pretty reassured that they won’t let you down.
Words by Niall McGreevy