Last month saw the release of Irish indie-rock band Inhaler’s highly anticipated third album, Open Wide, produced by renowned Grammy and Brit award winner Kid Harpoon. The band, who formed in 2012, having grown up performing together at school, have now toured with the likes of Noel Gallagher and Harry Styles, as well as performing to countless sold-out crowds. We’d be naive, however, to believe the band didn’t start with a foot already in the door- after all, how humble can your beginning be when the frontman’s dad is Bono? However, unlike what can be said for much of the nepotism in the music industry, Inhaler’s talent certainly makes the band stand-out.
From the album, the four singles, ‘Your House’, ‘A Question of You’, ‘Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)’, and title track ‘Open Wide’ set the tone for a highly successful album. ‘Your House’ featured in the Nouseletter (your reminder to get subscribed) back in November and honestly my love for this song has only grown since! The track features choral vocals from the renowned House Gospel Choir, allowing for an almost spiritual, anthemic chorus. Also showcasing a similar dynamic opening with a mix of synth and repetitive drum beat, the album’s title track ‘Open Wide’ does not disappoint. Hewson’s powerfully clear vocals suit the track’s honest and vulnerable lyricism. With catchy melodies and lines like ‘I’ll stay with you when you are cruel/ to the violent thoughts in your head’, it’s clear that, despite the greater production than their previous records, the band have not overlooked the importance of the writing itself.
The third single ‘A Question of You’, released in January, is my personal favourite. Hewson’s raw, yearning vocals are suited perfectly to these guitar-driven indie-pop hits the band are known for. ‘A Question of You’ is an upbeat, heartfelt love ballad with an undeniable rock ‘n’ roll energy. If this track is in any way representative of the album to come, Inhaler are poised to be at the forefront of the indie music scene in 2025. Josh Jenkinson’s guitar solos are outstanding, bouncing around Hewson’s vocals effortlessly and providing the track with the remarkable rock ‘n’ roll essence it exudes. These tracks can’t be discussed without taking a moment to also appreciate Ryan McMahon’s rhythmic drumming, featuring heavily on all three singles and building the band’s signature upbeat sound.
With their newest album released on February 7th, a world tour kicking off the same day in Leeds, and several anticipated festival appearances, 2025 is Inhaler’s year. Open Wide is the band’s third album release- so get ready, Inhaler are just beginning.
To see a complete review of Open Wide, check out Ruby Thorpe’s review on our website.
