BLENDING THE ORDINARY WITH THE EXTRAORDINARY | INHALER ARE BACK WITH ‘OPEN WIDE’

ALBUM REVIEW | ‘OPEN WIDE’ – INHALER By Keira Knox

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Inhaler’s third album, ‘Open Wide,’ marks the band’s transition into 2025 as a whole new entity. The range is as expansive as the title implies, identifying a certain point in time where the Dublin band has the entire world at their feet. Perhaps their greatest asset is their dependability, which has already seen them establish themselves as a mainstay act. Inhaler create tracks of such simplicity, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. ‘Open Wide’ arrives at a crucial point in Inhaler’s discography, an album that is poised to change the trajectory of their careers.

It is an unabashed melodic redirection, the ideal remedy to “cure these February blues,” and a work of seventies summer enchantment produced by a band at the height of their abilities. The first single from the album, ‘Your House,’ made it readily apparent that the ensemble had changed direction. The song, which was produced by Grammy Award-winning Kid Harpoon, combines the lively melodies of Harry Styles with the more edgy sound of T.Rex, the latter of which reverberates throughout the album.

The majority of ‘Open Wide’ possesses a similar tone; reinventing Inhaler’s sound and creating a collection of their best work. The musicality portrayed within this album is taken to a whole new level. Opening track, ‘Eddie In The Darkness’ is a prime example, with a sensational guitar background that emerges behind the chorus. The album puts Inhaler’s strongest qualities at the forefront; Elijah Hewson’s vocals take centre stage, Robert Keating’s bass lines reverberate and ripple throughout the track list. Their lyrical charm is unparalleled, creating some of their most joyous and uplifting tracks to date. ‘Billy (Yeah yeah yeah)’ might be the most catchy tune they’ve ever created, a standout on the album. Kickstarting the 70s feel for the album, Josh Jenkinson channels his inner Jimmy Page with simplistic guitar playing that leaves you begging for more.

Credits to Lewis Evans

The album’s tunes are fast-paced, with undiscovered gems interspersed with previously published singles. There are hints of more straightforward indie-rock scattered throughout, despite the album’s tendency towards pop. With its electrifying guitar riffs and a chorus destined for stadium status, ‘X-ray’ stays true to its indie rock origins. ‘Still Young’ demonstrates that Hewson’s melodic intonation is as contagious as ever, it’s your typical indie-rock ballad, it’s uplifting and inspiring. Taking major inspiration from Sam Fender’s honest and open lyricism. The backbone of this album is the pulsating drum rhythms courtesy of Ryan McMahon, holding the beat for each track and creating a platform for guitar solos to soar.

Their drive to ‘Open Wide’ is something we haven’t seen before, and they are self-assured, secure in their abilities, and are wholly confident in what they have produced. The industry talks about intriguing bands like Fontaines D.C. or soloists like Sam Fender becoming arena and stadium stars, Inhaler will be a part of that star-studded lineup in no time. The youthful exuberance of Inhaler carries this fresh sense of direction, many have already fallen under their indie pop spell. With the release of ‘Open Wide’, they’re set to intrigue thousands.

Open Wide’ World Tour – UK dates – February 2025

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