One of the newest additions to the Irish music scene released their latest record Feb. 7, making waves in the genre and leaving listeners with their ears “Open Wide.”
Alternative band, Inhaler, ventured into the pop music scene with their third studio album “Open Wide” after teasing long-time listeners with four singles before the record’s release by performing them during their last tour for their second record “Cuts and Bruises.” This unique record pulled the foursome, made up of singer Elijah Hewson, guitarist Josh Jenkinson, drummer Ryan McMahon and bassist Robert Keating, out of their comfort zone and into new territory.
Working with producer Kid Harpoon, who is most well known for collaborating with Harry Styles, who Inhaler opened for in June 2023, on his records “Fine Line” and “Harry’s House,” the band was able to take their music in a whole new direction to expand not only their discography but their sound as a whole.
With 13 tracks and a run time of 48 minutes, each song is gripping for listeners. While each song could stand alone, it is very clear to see some of the band’s inspiration for the record. With dark lyrics outlined by a catchy melodic chorus alongside heavy guitar on the majority of the songs, the impact of bands like The Cure and Prince had on its creation.
The four singles were released prior to the album’s release date. “Your House” was the debut single that set the tone for the rest of the record. With the powerful bass and synth opening the track, it left listeners hungry for more. Following that release were the songs “Open Wide,” “A Question of You” and “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” which make up a large part of the record itself.
While each song was picked carefully for early release, those are not the only notable songs from this record.
The opening song, “Eddie in the Darkness,” introduces the sound beautifully while bringing listeners in with haunting lyrics and heavenly vocals. The catchy chorus creates this juxtaposition in the song that has resonated with listeners. The bridge of the song is what stands out the most.
Distorted vocals set this section up to pair perfectly with the lyrics, “Oh my back against this wall of isolation / Crossed the top of my skull / I’m dancing in the street like no one’s watching / I swear on Southern Houston / Where I left my words to dry / I visit but it’s living in the dark / too soon, there’s no blue,” which takes it out of the realm of the standard pop song.
About halfway through the record is the song “Again.” This song would fit more into the pop genre while not pulling the band out of their key sound. Keeping the heavy guitar through the song amplifies the tone of the lyrics while each verse is concluded with the addicting chorus, “It’s life, it’s heavy, tears at your sleeve sometimes / It’s gold, it’s glory after the battle lines / And you’ll love too soon, too soon it’ll be removed / Let’s go at this again.” Hewson’s dynamic vocals morph this song into the perfect pop tune.
Track 10, “The Charms,” brings a new sound into the album that is more familiar to their past fans. The sparkling keys that back the entire track add to the audibly melancholy feeling and bring in another dimension. The first verse of this song sets the tone for each decision made in the song and carefully curates its sound. “Scene one / Started with a girl and her gun / Nine lives / And her counting down every one / Where she smiles / Wide like an overcast / He knows he will fear the rain / When she fades to black / He likes that” are the first lyrics in the song and immediately strike a chord with listeners, leaving them wanting to play the song on a loop.
“X-Ray” is track 11 which might seem like it lacks lyrical density, however, it has a strength in its lyrics. The harmonies between Hewson and Keating carry this song through with the repetitive chorus of “Feels like Heaven / Feels like Heaven / Even if there’s not one / I will chain myself to your soul” and the beautiful second verse of “Your time is a thief I’ll chase / I don’t mind growing, if we grow together / Gravity, hold me down / Unwillingly against / Like a satellite around your head.” This track’s sound feels directly inspired by one of the band’s biggest inspirations Arctic Monkeys who they opened for in August 2022.
Overall, this album takes the band to another level and continually proves to show them as the next powerhouse in the alternative pop genre. While they have only been releasing music since 2018, they have continued to grow as a band and create their own sound that makes them stand out from the other popular albums that are being released today.
