Album Review: Inhaler - 'Open Wide'
Inhaler has returned with their third studio album, ‘Open Wide’, released via Polydor Records. This latest offering showcases a band unafraid to evolve, blending their signature arena-ready anthems with newfound musical explorations. The result is a collection of tracks that feel both familiar and refreshingly innovative.
‘Open Wide’, wastes no time making a statement, launching with ‘Eddie in the Darkness’ a track that oozes confidence with its sleek, dance-rock energy reminiscent of The Killers. It’s a bold introduction, setting the stage for a band unafraid to explore new sonic landscapes. The momentum continues with ‘Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)’ where shimmering guitar grooves, rippling percussion, and lush harmonies create an irresistible, sun-soaked anthem. Hewson’s reverb-drenched vocals glide effortlessly over the track, solidifying its place as a quintessential Inhaler singalong—polished, euphoric, and built for the big stage.
The title track ‘Open Wide’ is a striking showcase of Inhaler’s artistic evolution. Anchored by moody synths and a pulsating beat, it masterfully fuses introspective lyricism with seamless instrumentation. The song radiates an effortless confidence, embodying the band’s ability to push boundaries while staying true to their signature sound. Bold yet refined, it stands as a testament to their growth—proof that Inhaler isn’t just refining their craft, but fearlessly expanding it.
‘Even Though’ takes Inhaler into shadowy territory, driven by a brooding, Cure-inspired bassline and Hewson’s melancholic, Robert Smith-esque vocal delivery. It’s a haunting shift that highlights the band’s versatility, effortlessly weaving classic influences into something distinctly their own. Meanwhile, ‘Your House’ thrums with an electric paranoia, capturing the intoxicating obsession of young love. Its fuzz-rock bite, layered with the unexpected grandeur of a gospel choir, injects a T. Rex-style swagger, adding richness and depth to the album’s ever-expanding sonic palette.
At the midpoint of the album, ‘All I Got Is You’ acts as a nostalgic anchor, pulling Inhaler back to their guitar-driven roots while seamlessly threading in their newfound maturity. Echoing the raw energy of their early work, the track bridges past and present, proving that evolution doesn’t mean leaving behind what made them great—it means refining it. With its soaring melodies and rich instrumentation, it’s a reminder that no matter how far they push their sound, their foundation remains unshakable.
‘Still Young’ bursts to life with a driving, Sam Fender-style guitar melody, anchoring some of Inhaler’s most poignant lyricism to date. It’s a testament to their refusal to abandon their rock roots, not by clinging to the past, but by sharpening and expanding it. The track brims with a youthful urgency, proving that while the band continues to evolve, their foundation of anthemic, guitar-driven storytelling remains as powerful as ever.
The album closes with a bang as ‘Little Things’ erupts from a haze of feedback and warped sounds into a full-throttle surge of slamming guitars and a relentless low end. Its gritty, grunge-infused energy injects a raw intensity into the record’s final moments, adding yet another layer of depth to, Open Wide’s, dynamic landscape. It’s a thunderous send-off—bold, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore—ensuring the album lingers long after the last note fades.
Produced by the acclaimed Kid Harpoon, known for his work with Harry Styles and Florence & The Machine, Open Wide is a bold leap forward for Inhaler. The album brims with the band's bold embrace of creative freedom, a spirit that resonates on every track. Drawing inspiration from a kaleidoscope of genres, from the pulsating rhythms of techno to the evocative depths of Nick Cave, Inhaler has crafted a sound that is as bright as it is timeless, enriched with layers of unexpected texture. The outcome is a riveting collection of 13 tracks—a guitar-driven pop odyssey that defies convention and cements the band's status as one of the most exhilarating young acts on the scene today.
Inhaler's evolution is not just audible but palpable. Their growth from their debut album, It Won't Always Be Like This, to, Open Wide, is evident in their matured songwriting and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes. This album stands as a testament to their journey, capturing the essence of a band coming into their own.
‘Open Wide', is a bold and ambitious record that showcases Inhaler's growth and willingness to experiment. It's a testament to their evolution as artists and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their sound. Fans old and new will find much to appreciate in this latest offering from the Dublin quartet. And with this album, Inhaler has solidified their place as one of the most thrilling young bands in music today.
Words by Danielle Holian
