INHALER - CUTS & BRUISES
After becoming the first Irish group in 13 years to claim a U.K. number one with their debut album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, it’s safe to say people were poised and ready for what Dublin indie rockers had in store for their listeners next.
Whilst their sound is largely the same, this latest installment is the Irish four-piece’s most emotive and honest record yet. Frontman Elijah Hewson shakes off the nepotism baby criticism to prove that they are a fantastic talent in their own right, resulting in 11 polished, no-frills-attached tracks.
Beginning with ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’, the album is littered with smooth vocals and instrumental hooks that are certain to grab people’s attention for the offset. We then race through the four previous singles, with ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’ cutting through the euphoric feel of the three prior tracks to put forward traditional the Inhaler sound but with a much more raw, sensitive edge than we’d perhaps expect.
‘Perfect Storm’ slows the album down slightly, the perfect anticipation build for ‘Dublin in Ecstasy’, a fan favourite and a reminder of the place where it all began for the band. Whilst it may not have the same lyrical depth as other tracks on the album, ‘Valentine’ is a rich and romantic track which suggests even a slight diversion from their roots pays off.
Penultimate track ‘The Things I Do’ is a nice change from the previous softer songs, a reminder of the band’s rock roots. Album closer ‘Now You Got Me’ brings the album to a clear conclusion, a mix of enticing guitar riffs and gritty rock influenced vocals.
Inhaler’s latest addition certainly builds upon their progression as musicians, showing they have more to offer than their debut showcased. They may have had labels put on them from the start but their second offering is proof that you shouldn’t put labels on this band as they will just shake them straight off.
Jen Rose
★★★★☆