Inhaler’s Genre-Blending New Album: ‘Open Wide’
Photographed by Lewis Evans via Instagram.
Dublin band Inhaler is back with their third studio album, once again embarking on a new sound. Frontman Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, and drummer Ryan McMahon met in grade school in 2012 and started their band. With Hewson being asthmatic, the group of boys were nicknamed the Inhalers before eventually dropping the "s" and picking up guitarist Josh Jenkinson three years later. Released in 2021, their debut album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, combined songs they had been playing for years with new tracks written during the pandemic. In 2023, Inhaler released Cuts and Bruises, which reached number one on the Irish charts.
Inhaler’s new album, Open Wide, marks a new era for the band both sonically and experimentally. The album blends pop-infused melodies and a touch of country twang, all while keeping its groovy rock and roll elements. Working with a new producer this time around, the record feels like a fresh start for the band while still feeling every bit like Inhaler. Produced by Kid Harpoon—most known for his work with Harry Styles— Open Wide features melodic vocals and catchy guitar riffs that radiate pure euphoria.
The lead single “Your House” was a powerful debut into the new era. Drawing from 70’s rock, the track intros with an intense drumline and Hewson’s striking vocals. He stated the song is “about belonging to someone or something that’s bad for you.” The spiritual chorus “There ain't sharp enough knife / To cut me out of your life / I'm going to your house tonight" paired with the low-bass percussion created a dramatic return for Inhaler.
Reminiscent of groovy 80’s pop, “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” is a light and breezy toe-tapper. The track expresses the duality of hesitance and infatuation with someone. “If I come a little too close / Should I walk away? / Something I could never gain / But in this I am all in.” Keating said the song title was named after his brother and is, endearingly, his favorite on the album.
Speaking on BBC Radio 1, the band shared that this was the first album they intentionally set out to record. Keating explained, "This was the first time we had that ideal scenario where we took six months off, and the four of us hung out for ages and wrote music." The album is filled with synths and shimmery guitars, but “Even Though” stands out as the flashiest track. Inhaler’s ode to The Smiths, “All I Got Is You,” kicks off with an infectious intro. Guitarist Jenkinson really shines on this track, delivering a snappy riff that stands out in the tracklist.
“A Question of You” feels like Inhaler’s quintessential love song, with lyrics “When we were younger / I could split the sea / You could move the Earth just for me / Wasn’t 5 million years since you fell to Earth.” Being the most upbeat pop track on the album, it feels like the band is just jamming out and having a good time. Hewson for BBC stated that “A Question of You” led the way for this new album. “It was like the first demo we had. It was kind of a groove that was a bit different from what we’ve done.” The unique guitar chords, especially Jenkinson’s guitar solo, with the choir make for a truly catchy tune. Kid Harpoon suggested bringing in the House Gospel Choir which brought the track together. The single was accompanied by a music video featuring the lads starring in a jewelry heist.
“X-Ray” and “Little Things” stand out as the most rock-driven tracks. “X-Ray” features a little bit of a country twang, with Jenkinson noting that they tuned his guitar to drop D, giving the song a folk-rock feel. “Little Things” is a strong closing for the album, capturing the longing to make a relationship work. “Confirming that my ignorance is my bliss / Ain't gonna waste it, I could be what I'm not.”
Inhaler is notorious for not sticking to a sound. The sonically varied album showcases a playfully endearing side of the Irish band. Cohesively blending musical influences from across decades, Open Wide is new territory yet still familiar to Inhaler fans. Both artistically and personally, the album showcases the band's evolution while exploring the theme of coming of age. Hewson on Instagram stated, “When I listen to the album, I hear us finding a new perspective on our music and our lives. I think that’s what this album is to us. It’s not an exit but an entry.”
Listen to Inhaler’s new album, Open Wide, out now. The band has a busy year ahead, touring in the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
