With their latest album Open Wide, is Inhaler stepping outside their signature sound and exploring new genres?

Irish Indie-Rock band Inhaler has often faced criticism due to lead singer Elijah Hewson’s connection to U2’s Bono with some reducing their success to that famous family tie. Dismissing them overlooks the dedication and unwavering determination that have driven their progress since the beginning. With the release of their latest album, fans have been quick to voice their opinions, questioning whether Inhaler is shifting towards pop. I firmly believe that any band willing to explore new sounds is one that is constantly evolving.

With their debut album, It won’t always be like this, Inhaler made waves in the Irish music scene, topping the charts. Playing alongside artists such as Harry Styles, Arctic Monkeys, Pearl Jam and Blossoms cemented their place within the music industry. Inhaler has carved out its own identity. With the success of their second album, Cuts and Bruises released in 2023 they firmly established themselves as serious artists. The album demonstrated Inhaler’s artistic maturity in addition to their growing popularity.

Inhaler are natural performers, I’ve had the privilege of seeing them live through each album era. Having attended three of their shows, it's clear that while each album brings has a unique sound and approach, their diversity as artists shines through. From the raw energy of their debut to the more refined depth of Cuts and Bruises, each era has felt like a natural progression, showcasing their ability to evolve. It’s only natural that this new album will sound different, it’s a reflection of the band’s growth, shaped by new experiences, fresh ideas, and a willingness to explore uncharted territory. As artists, they have moved forward, and so should we in our expectations. Change is part of the creative process for many established artists.

The new album kicks off with “Eddie in the Darkness” immediately setting the tone of the album. Josh Jenkinson’s lead guitar riff brings a fresh, catchy energy that pulls you right in. What follows is an eclectic mix of songs that demonstrates Inhaler’s willingness to explore different sounds. For anyone claiming that the album leans too heavily into pop, I’d point them to “X-Ray” a track that makes it clear that Inhaler hasn’t strayed too far from their indie rock roots. While the album may experiment with new textures and influences, at its heart, it’s still a reflection of the band’s original sound, one that continues to evolve while staying grounded in the genre that made them.

This album is also a deep dive into lyricism, offering listeners a chance to connect with the themes on a personal level. Tracks like “Concrete” reflect on the challenges of change and growth, perfectly capturing the internal struggle of holding onto things that are no longer serving you, even when you know they're wrong for you. While Inhaler have definitely become more versatile with their sound, Open Wide is a testament to their growth as artists. They’ve managed to experiment with new ideas while still maintaining the core elements that made us fall in love with them in the first place. This is a very solid album, one that proves they’re not afraid to take risks and push boundaries. As they continue to evolve, there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing even bigger things from them in the future.

Written by Sophie Lee