‘Open Wide’ shows new possibilities from Inhaler
With two albums under their belt, Dublin four-piece Inhaler branched into more pop driven territory with their latest project Open Wide. The 13 song album combines the group’s chugging guitar riffs with more introspective lyrics that reflect the band's expanded creative process through new producers and new sources of inspiration.
The group has previously stated that the album was inspired by visits to New York City, and after an amicable departure from previous producer Antony Genn, Kid Harpoon (of Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes, Florence + the Machine and Kings of Leon fame) was chosen to awaken the band’s newest vision. Although Kid Harpoon has worked with artists that lean rock or alternative, his pop experience shines clearly in Open Wide.
The final single released, “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” draws the listener in with a bright and groovy guitar lick from Josh Jenkinson. This tune could be on a more mature version of their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This with its restrained verse leading into a more expansive chorus, showcasing singer Elijah Hewson’s softer side of his vocal range. The harmonies and backing vocals throughout the song provide a suave body to the tune as the chorus comes back around.
“Again” looks at the hard cards that life can deal and offers an optimistic look that it can be better. This shows the group's first foray into the struggles of life and the need to continue on. Even with comparatively limited life experience, the refrain still captures some truth in saying “it’s life, it’s heavy, tears at your sleeve sometimes. It’s gold and it’s glory after the battle lines.”
The keyboard is reminiscent of a harpsichord, giving a nod to influences of 80s pop and rock. This song, like others on the album, is unique in that it is different from all others on the album, like a cousin of the songs that came before and after it.
In the back half of the album, “Concrete” features a spacey opening with a short and punchy two-line refrain: “Cause I, yeah I'm not plasticine/ Yeah, I'm concrete.” The acoustic guitar grounds the song (no pun intended) and makes it sound more intimate and vulnerable. After a disc of songs that have sounded so tight, the air in the instrumentation and the slightly wispy vocals give the end of the album a lighter track.
Even though Open Wide isn’t in the exact same vein as It Won’t Always Be Like This and Cuts & Bruises, it’s different enough for Inhaler to flex their creative muscles while maintaining the sound they’re known for. The group has shown their future will be a soundtrack of ideas – inspired by travels, growing older and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a pop-rock band.
