Photo Credit: Press

Words by Rosie Arron

Inhaler Opens Wide to a New Era of Sound

Hailing from Dublin, Inhaler formed in 2012, united by their shared love of rock music and a heavy inspiration from iconic bands like The Stone Roses and The Strokes. Over the years, they’ve carved out their own place in the indie-rock scene, blending these influences with a sound that’s unmistakably theirs. Their much-anticipated third album, ‘Open Wide‘, arrives at a crucial point in their career, dropping just as their UK tour kicks off this Friday. This follows a successful US tour last fall and a now string of sold-out shows across Europe. Fans have been eagerly waiting for this release, especially after the band teased them with a fun text message campaign. The album’s lead single, ‘Your House‘, was a bold move, offering something different from their usual style and showing they’re willing to take risks. ‘Open Wide‘ is a step forward for Inhaler, showcasing their most ambitious and creative work to date. With the inclusion of choirs, fresh instrumentation, and a wider range of influences, this album proves they’re expanding their sound and pushing into new territory.

The album kicks off with ‘Eddie in the Darkness‘, a dynamic track that sets the stage for the rich variety of sounds to follow. From its jazzy, upbeat introduction to its steady, infectious rhythm, the song quickly pulls you in. The rhythm is relaxed but still pushes things forward, giving the song a steady drive. The line, “Eddie in the darkness / he had to get away from,” hints at a mysterious character, but it’s really the song’s energetic tempo and rhythm that pull you in, with the lyrics adding layers of intrigue as they unfold. As the chorus hits, we’re brought back to Inhaler’s signature anthemic style, a unifying force that makes the track feel larger than life. The line “Close the door on your wide open space” cleverly rearranges the album’s title, tying together the themes of expansion and closure. Subtle, otherworldly sounds in the background enhance the track’s evolving feel. It’s a powerful opener that shows INHALER’s confidence in pushing their sound while staying true to their roots.

Second track, ‘Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)‘ takes us in yet another surprising direction. The opening features a quirky, almost strobe-like screeching sound that is quickly followed by a rhythmic, bass-driven groove. The repeated chant of “oh Billy, oh Billy” in the background creates an exciting anticipation that carries through the track. The song has an infectious, laid-back energy with its simple guitar patterns and easy-going vibe, but the deeper lyrics hint at a more complex narrative.

The repeated line “let’s make the same mistake twice, let’s not take our own advice” feels like a meditation on reflection and suggests that the band switching up their music has a hidden meaning or reasoning? As the pre-chorus evolves, it really builds up to the temptation and hesitation discussed in the chorus through the lines “if I come a little too close, should I back away, should I listen to the things you used to say?”. This could connote to how the band have combined these new patterns with their older style. The track’s smooth flow and catchy chorus make it one of the most accessible on the album.

‘Your House‘, the first single from ‘Open Wide‘, was the perfect track to introduce the album. It has a slightly nostalgic vibe, almost like a modern folk tale. The choir backing vocals add depth and a sense of togetherness, amplifying the song’s growing intensity. It’s a track that speaks to the feeling of being trapped, both physically and emotionally. “there ain’t no sharp enough knife to cut me out of your life,” highlights an unbreakable connection. There’s an intimate, almost confrontational feel as the song shifts into its outro, only to surge back into the powerful chorus. The combination of the lyrics and the rising harmonies creates a sense of inevitability—Inhaler’s music has woven itself into our lives, and it’s here to stay.

The title track ‘Open Wide‘ starts with a lively, samba-inspired rhythm, with drums setting a vibrant tone before settling into a calm guitar riff, occasionally interrupted by strobe-like effects. The lyrics “you swore that nothing could come and free us” suggest a major shift away from their usual sound, embracing something fresh and bold. The song takes a deeper, more reflective turn with the line “I’ll stay with you when you are cruel to the violent thoughts in your head,” leading into an eerie, echo-filled section that gives off a haunting vibe. The rhythm picks back up, and the repeated phrase “love is a terror when they stick together” suggests a more complex, intense view of love. “Got my arms out open wide” feels like an invitation to embrace a new beginning, while “Come on baby take a look (inside)” seems like a call to explore this fresh chapter. Altogether, the song carries a comforting yet transformative energy, offering both reassurance and the promise of new possibilities.

Track five, ‘Even Though‘, is bursting with enthusiasm and would surely be a highlight of any live performance. The strong rhythm and powerful vocals create an undeniable sense of anticipation and forward drive. The song flawlessly integrates INHALER‘s characteristic indie-rock sound with modern production, striking a balance between nostalgia and current creativity. The slick guitar work and captivating chorus convey a sense of oneness and communal strength. In contrast, track six, ‘Again‘, has a more relaxed tone, providing a quiet and reflective environment. The soft guitar start creates a peaceful atmosphere, yet there is an underlying tension that foreshadows an impending shift in energy. The track’s slight variations in dynamics keep it intriguing while maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. ‘Again‘ is a song that wraps around you, encouraging you to become lost in its calm flow before slowly evolving into something else.

From the first few notes of ‘Still Young‘, I knew it was my favourite song on the album. It immediately feels like an anthem in the making, with a soaring chorus and addictive intensity that make it impossible not to be swept up in its atmosphere. The tune is ideal for a coming-of-age film—one of those times when the main character is on the verge of something new, full of possibilities and promise. The repeating sentence “we’re still young,” captures the sense of limitless possibility, implying that Inhaler is only now making their impact. As the song rises up to a joyful climax and then draws back into a quieter, reflective phase, it captures the push and pull of youth—where restlessness where restlessness meets thoughtfulness, and the future seems both unclear and full of promise. It’s the type of music that stays with you, a memorable assertion of youth and possibility.

‘Little Things‘, the album’s last tune, brings it to a spectacular climax. Compared to several of the album’s earlier, more reflective moments, this one is a little more fiery and has a raw, almost angry spirit. The tension increases to a thrilling conclusion, and the chorus has a somewhat rough edge. It’s the ideal song for mosh pits and an indication that Inhaler’s live performances will only get more spectacular.

With ‘Open Wide‘, INHALER moves into a new chapter of their journey, showing just how much they’ve grown since their early days in Dublin. The album blends their rock influences with fresh ideas and takes their sound in exciting new directions. It’s a clear sign of how much they’ve developed, both as musicians and as storytellers, unafraid to break away from their past and try something different. With its mix of styles, creative experimentation, and infectious energy, ‘Open Wide‘ feels like a big moment for the band, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. With a sold-out tour, glowing reviews, and a loyal following, INHALER are ready for even bigger things. This album is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a statement about where they’ve been and where they’re heading, showing that the band are still at the top of their game.