Inhaler at Brixton Academy

Fresh off the release of their warmly received album Open Wide, Inhaler are about to kick off the first of two nights at Brixton Academy. The Irish indie 20-somethings are riding on a wave of critical acclaim while easing into being perceived as a pop act just as much as a rock band.

Fronted by Elijah Hewson, the foursome is complete with bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Bartholomew Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon, all of whom are greeted with piercing and elated screams as they walk out on stage for the first time tonight. The band waste no time, and immediately launch into their hit single My Honest Face, from their first album, which is likely their most recognised release.

But it’s in the new songs that Inhaler really come into their own. Eddie’s in the Darkness is fresh and upbeat with its soaring guitar chorus, while A Question of You serves singer Elijah’s voice perfectly with its Springsteen-like nod to the 1980s. Other tracks like Little Things and X-ray serve as a welcome rock ’n ’ roll seasoning to the set, solidifying the band’s stadium suitability whilst leaning into pop influences.

Older numbers such as Dublin in Ecstasy, Who’s Your Money On, and Cheer Up Baby get a rapturous reception from the crowd, but the audience seem equally as excited by the new songs, which is impressive for an album that was only released a week ago. Many of the people packed into the 5,000-capacity venue are gleefully singing along to tracks that they were only introduced to seven days ago. Inhaler finish the set with an inevitable encore, consisting of the title track Open Wide and It Won’t Always Be Like This, while ending on the pop-rock-perfection of Your House.

It’s hard to find fault with Inhaler, as they seem to be on the cusp of greatness right now. This third album release has assisted the band in beating the lazy nepo baby scrutiny, and it’s never been something they’ve hidden away from anyway. With a huge world tour set to carry on after this, and a host of festival appearances, everything’s to play for these young Dubliners.

Hannah Broughton
Photos: Lewis Evans

For further information and future events visit Inhaler’s website here.

Watch the video for Your House here: