If you could draw progress, you would know that it is not linear. It Won’t Always Be Like This introduced the public to Inhaler, a young band from Dublin who was trying too hard to be something. Their second studio album Cuts & Bruises now proves that the same band from Dublin is clearly not as young and perhaps is trying a bit less hard.
But not in a bad way. When we accept that we are who we are, more introspective thoughts come out. Especially noticeable in the first, mesmerising track ‘Just to Keep you Satisfied’. Inhaler has learnt to strip things down while still maintaining that wow factor that got them where they are now. The OK-Computer-esque guitar riffs and bass, followed by an explosion of reverberated vocals make this the perfect opening track.
In every album, there are bound to be weaklings, and in this case the third track ‘So Far So Good’ is exactly that. Nothing particularly wrong with it, it is just not as memorable as the rest. However, it redeems itself, followed by one of the most upbeat yet elegant tracks on the record: ‘These Are the Days’. Frontman Elijah Hewson’s voice echoes in my headset with his signature style, which somehow sounds quite familiar.
Okay, now let’s address the elephant in the room. Is Inhaler just a newer version of U2? Well, Hewson’s voice certainly resembles his father Bono’s, however, is that so bad? The band has come so far with its own strength, trying to distance itself from the nepo-baby reputation. The four-piece Irish band was able to shake off all the prejudice that comes with being related to one of the greatest rock bands of the last century, creating their own sound and personality. When I heard ‘If You’re Gonna Break my Heart’ I hear Inhaler and Inhaler only, not U2’s sons.
“In a different time, in a different space, I still want you in my head, still want you in my face,” Hewson sings, almost whispers, talking to himself more than his listeners. ‘Perfect Storm’ is one of the strongest moments on the record, while still following Inhaler’s general style guide. Even if the order of the songs is slightly all over the place, alternating slower tracks with rougher ones, Cuts & Bruises shows more structure and personality than the debut.
The fans are most excited about hearing the studio version of ‘Dublin in Ecstasy’ since the band has teased them by playing it live at a few shows. Now I can see why. The lyrics represent burning love throughout, and Inhaler was able to keep it personal, almost like whispering a secret to a lover. The boys’ ego is not in the way anymore, they are finally free to show what they are worth without embellishing their sound too much, without having to scream the lyrics to be heard.
The group’s youth is still there, though. Not taking things so heavy-heartedly and tragically is what makes this album so enthralling. ‘When I Have Her on my Mind’, the eighth track, gives space for a more coming-of-age melody, with exploding guitars and addicting drums, resembling those of the band JAWS’ ‘Driving at Night’. But not everything is worthy of comparison, for instance, ‘Valentine’ stands on its own, and it can do so with its head high.
Carrying the most romantic and raw lyrics and vocals, ‘Valentine’ further demonstrates that Inhaler is ready to be great, without anyone holding their hands, without anyone rooting for them. The echoing riffs, Hewson’s smooth voice and a pinch of vintage make the song a great, slower moment on Cuts & Bruises.
The last two songs on Inhaler’s sophomore record, ‘The Things I Do’ and ‘Now You Got Me’ are a nice transition to silence. The former with its building sounds, even if they don’t ever truly reach the peak of loudness and the latter with its experimental personality and bubbling style.
It took them two albums, but Inhaler has finally earned the title of rock band. There is nothing wrong with taking a little inspiration from your roots, as long as you don’t let them define you. But be careful not to put any labels on this young Irish band, because there is a good chance that they’ll break free.
Words by Silvia Pellegrino
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