The boys of Inhaler are growing up.
For those unfamiliar, Inhaler is an indie rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. They are comprised of lead singer/guitarist Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, lead guitarist Josh Jenkinson, and drummer Ryan McMahon. Their sound borders on the rock genre with hints of alternative and pop.
The quartet has previously released two records, It Won’t Always Be Like This and Cuts & Bruises. Now, they’ve Had To Move On (a bad pun, perhaps, for those familiar with their discography) to their junior album, entitled Open Wide.
After the release of the first few singles, Inhaler had some fans wondering whether the sound of the band would change entirely.
Since the release of the album, it has become apparent that there was certainly exploration on this album, but the guys behind the curtain are still the same old Inhaler long-time fans know and love.
No song on this new album is worth skipping over. In fact, I have listened to the new record so often that I can practically sing it In My Sleep (apologies, once again).
We’ll take you through a quick rundown of each track.
(And I promise, no more puns.)
Eddie In the Darkness
One might liken the dark tones of “Eddie In the Darkness” to “Dublin In Ecstasy” from Inhaler’s second LP, Cuts & Bruises. As the title track of the album, Eddie suggests a moody sound for the rest of the album. Bold and gritty, this song brings Inhaler back to their rock-’n’-roll roots.
Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)
“Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” was released as the fourth and final single from the album. Sustained by a catchy beat and rhythm, “Billy” is a bright contrast to the previous track.
The tune sounds like a hopeful summer day, but the lyrics prove hesitant: “Come a little too close, should I back away? Should I have listened to the things you used to say?” lead singer Hewson asks.
Your House
An upbeat number, “Your House” was the first single off this album, released in October of last year. Just as a generation of students will always know that the ‘mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell,’ the song “Your House” is the powerhouse of Open Wide. The accompanying, thought-provoking music video features lead singer Hewson being precariously carried around inside a (quite literal) suitcase.
A Question Of You
This track features whiny guitar riffs and a powerful chorus. The addition of choir vocals adds a new layer to the song and Inhaler’s unique and ever-changing sound.
Tucked between the chorus and the second chorus, Hewson declares: “Took me a while to find…I am the answer to the question of you.”
Even Though
On this track Hewson sings, “we’re going nowhere,” but “Even Though” feels the exact opposite, like you are, in fact, going somewhere.
It all starts with intro layers, beginning with synths, then adding in Keating’s catchy bassline, then the beat. You’re being taken somewhere, transported to wherever you’d rather be. It’s a journey.
Again
Simple guitar songs, I think, are in short supply. “Again” brings exactly what is needed. With a powerful, all-encompassing lyric in the chorus (“It’s life, it’s heavy/tears at your sleeves sometimes”), the song accomplishes much with little in three and a half minutes.
The guitar takes a bit of a back seat on this track, while the bass and Hewson’s soft vocals receive the focus, especially in the verses. Hewson even ventures to try non-lexical vocables during the bridge, which is (dare I say?) reminiscent of his father’s musical style.
Open Wide
The second single, released December 5, is also the title track of the album. “Open Wide” is built on a unique combination of sounds. With its echoey feel, it defines the album, gives it a sort of air, and suggests a possible new era for Inhaler.
Keating’s bass circulates through the tune, guiding it along the way, and the listener, along the journey of their album.
All I Got Is You
“All I Got Is You” is a trip, similar to the feel of “Even Though.” Hewson’s lyrics and emotional singing imply themes of love, romance, and conflict. It feels like dancing in the rain, skipping down a summer street, listening to the same song over and over and over…
Still Young
“Still Young” brings heart and soul to the album. A warm tempo and semisweet lyrics invoke a nostalgic feeling.
The use of acoustic guitar (in addition to electric), I think, is particularly well-chosen. We experience a brief moment of quiet before bursting into the final chorus, which contains even more passion and desperation than the first. Anthemic to the core, “Still Young” is sure to delight fans.
The Charms
A change of pace, “The Charms” supplies yet another beautiful love song to the album. Once again supported by a complementary combination of bass and drums, “The Charms” tells a specific story.
Hewson takes a break from the verse-chorus pairing to repeat the promise, “I want you always.” His heartbreaking confession/profession of love and adoration is followed up by a sweet guitar solo from Jenkinson.
X-Ray
My personal favorite off of the album, “X-Ray” is one of Inhaler’s deep cuts. One might liken it to “Now You Got Me” from their second LP, Cuts & Bruises.
What struck me about this song was its anthemic burst into each chorus, in which Hewson sings, “Feels like Heaven/Even if there’s not one/I will chain myself to your soul.”
Concrete
“Concrete” is a slower track that follows “X-Ray.” The mix of major and minor chords in the melody make for a sound that is both hopeful and melancholic. The use of acoustic guitar amongst the welcome overdose of electric is refreshing and slows down the pace. The song itself seems to move fast and slow at the same time, with each note drawn out while the beat seems to hurry all else along.
Little Things
“Little Things” was the song on the album that I was most excited for, and it did not disappoint. The track begins with a gritty guitar riff, but surfaces into a typical Inhaler song, supported by McMahon’s drumbeat. Hewson promises, “if you stay as you appear, I won’t disappear into what I fear.” The song — and the album — closes with a satisfying echo of guitar.
Closing Thoughts
At least for me, Open Wide holds a number of tracks that became instant favorites from that first listen. While some of the new tunes may indeed contain a sound previously untouched by Inhaler, their sonic expansion proved effective in creating a record equally as beautiful and valuable.
Inhaler is also incredible live, check out their tour schedule!
Click here to stream.
