Written by Tom Bedding
There seemed to be a lot on the line for Inhaler's debut record, after some solid time becoming everyones favourite 'unknown' band. There has been a lot said about the boys but regardless of that, this band have shown a lot of potential and ambition on their debut record.
The bands debut record begins with ‘the first song we wrote together’ and if that is the case, you can see why these boys formed this band! The opener feels grand and epic with its catchy synth hook and dramatic chorus, it really feels like Inhaler are slamming their hands on the table and showing us what they all about from the word go.
You can feel the song around you, just like experiencing it live, you can even smell the boozy and sweaty venue. Annoyingly, one thing I do wish was the case, is that the vocals by Elijah Hewson would come more to the front of the mix, giving us a real piercing display (picky, I know) but apart from that, the title track is a fine opener for this record and an impressive start to the whole affair.
‘My Honest Face’ then follows the dilemma for an act, who are figuring who they are and what they represent on stage, an interesting and actually obvious subject matter for any performer when you come to think about it. The chugging bass line is a great touch, giving a darker tone to the song and is also reinforced by an overdone thunder percussion sample. Again this song fits into the arena rock angle, however potentially not hitting the same heights as the opening song. Its enjoyable don’t get me wrong, we have some staple moves of indie music played out here and with the talent on offer by Inhaler, it does not get too much and feels instantly classic for the listener.
Inhaler were on an impressive rise at the end of 2019, offering indie kids some really enjoyable tunes and giving so many a lot of hopes on an impressive debut album. Obviously and sadly the corona virus came along and left the band a tad stuck with how to build up to the biggest release of their career at that point, however it was crucial for the band to use this break in the best possible way.
Fortunately they did and a few songs written during the spring and summer of 2020, made it onto the album. ‘Side Out Of The Window’ instantly feels like a song that was penned down during the lockdown, feeling so chilled and almost like it is staring out of the window as another day in lockdown passes. The overall texture of this more reserved track is perfect, with the subtle drumming being exceptional and the vocals having such a refreshing quality to it.
credit: PRESS
Next the fan favourite ‘Cheer Up Baby’ brings a slight swing quality to the record, with its catchy chorus and rhythm section giving listeners a great time to sway joyfully. Again, I wish the lead vocals would be brought forward and give us even more flavour (Elijah’s vocals seem to be good enough to have more prominence, it runs in the family!) but with the arena rock style this band are giving, you can see why they are trying to make it feel as live as possible with the production and mixing.
Suddenly we are thrown a hella good bit of groove and slight sass on ‘A Night On The Floor’, which takes aim at the state America over the last few years. ‘This for all you sinners, saved by saints, god bless the madness of the fifty states’ and lyrics tackling school shootings shows some impressive lyricism by Hewson and giving Inhaler some level of awareness, that really took me by surprise. As said, the groove is solid and the guitar work found in the song is highly impressive with its soul vibe but still offering some classic rock embellishments that are found deep within the mix.
Possibly another lockdown track could be My King Will Be Kind’, which looks at identity politics and other social-political issues that are in the forefront in the western world right now. Again the lyrics are impressive and the chorus has been developed well with its melody and instrumentation, yet I feel like something else is needed to give this track an essence that would leave it being a mighty cut on the record. The track finishes well though and you can see a lot of people enjoying it live, it really reminds me of Tom Ogdon’s crowd singing cuts like ‘My Favourite Room’.
Inhaler then come across as itching to get back to gigging and be on the road again on ‘When It Breaks’, which contains a great level of diction by everyone in the band. The release of the tension in the chorus is awesome, with the whole band going for it with the guitar riff and again, solid drumming. It feels like a song that would of got the band really going again during the staleness of the lockdown experience, you feel like Inhaler are a band that really have some bold ambitions with their careers and it is truly interesting where the guys from Dublin end up.
Surprisingly, the first song I have ever heard from the band was ‘Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House)’ and it was a middle of the road entry to this band for sure. The synth work and the guitar parts are a lot fo fun but the percussion feels very bland up against the rhythm of the song, maybe some inspiration from Foals could have given this song an extra spark to it. The song has a solid premise but it seems like Inhaler are still finding their crafting technique still, only time will tell if the band put the time to really learn how to expand on a good idea.
Grab your friends in the pits and begin to sway in the hot sun with ’Totally’; the way this song begins is utterly beautiful and flawless, I can not get enough of it. The percussion this time is done fittingly and that guitar part, arghhh it just gives you a cold beverage and round sunglasses instantly! Inhaler do seem like they are still a work in progress but when you get to a song like ‘Totally’, you feel like the boys are so class to fulfilling their impressive potential. The 90’s influence of the song is played out so well, inspiring the band in a way where they can do their own thing under the style. This fantastic song has an essence of elbow and Coldplay, while still feeling so indie and being a great indication of the level they can reach.
Then weirdly, we are then given an interlude that does feel a tad out of place, maybe the group liked the little melody so much that they wanted to put it on the LP, no matter what? ‘In My Sleep’ finishes the debut album in solid style, filled with the conviction of ‘we are not done at all yet folks, stay tuned’.
It may not have a lot on offer that will stick in your head but the intensity of the musicianship is inspiring, you can feel the bands desire and drive in the song. With ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’, Inhaler are heavily backed and rightly so, the band are showing potential that could leave them being a top quality band in years to come and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds. There are some impressive moments on the debut album but also still some room for improvement moments, mainly as they are already setting themselves a high standard.
Bring Me The Music Recommended Tracks: It Won't Always Be Like This and Totally
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