While band members Elijah Hewson, Josh Jenkinson, Ryan McMahon, and Robert Keating may have started off as teens sneaking into places to play their music, today the Irish Alternative band Inhaler has over 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The band released their junior album Open Wide this past February and took fans by surprise with a revamped sound that is still unequivocally them. Robert Keating, the lead bassist, tells Apple Music, “From the earliest days, we knew that we were going to try and do something a bit different for this one” (Apple Music).
One reason that the production on this album strays away from Cuts & Bruises and It Won’t Always Be Like This is because of producer Kid Harpoon. Kid Harpoon has worked on albums like Surrender by Maggie Rogers, Days Are Gone by Haim, and Harry Styles’s Fine Line and Harry’s House. By looking at this list, it is clear that he brings a pop-influence to the songs of many alternative artists and bands, an influence that is definitely present on songs like “Your House” and “A Question Of You.” Sonically and lyrically, the band also took inspiration from artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Smiths, and The Cure, which brings a nostalgic feel on tracks such as “X-Ray” and “All I Got Is You” (Apple Music). Fans also say that the songs “Again” and “Concrete” make them long for the past and, although they never mention it, undoubtedly contain influences from U2.
Senior Shya Coello has been a fan of Inhaler since 2023 and says that seeing them grow over the years has been surreal. Open Wide has been on repeat and she wholeheartedly believes that it is their best album yet (so much so that she bought the vinyl)! Shya continues, “One of my favorite songs off the album is ‘Eddie In The Darkness.’ The song opens up the album and it still has that rocky edge to it but has a hint of their new sound as well.” When asked about what makes the band so special to her she did not hesitate when answering: their concerts. Shya explains, “The first ever concert I ever went to was Inhaler and I had the time of my life. I went with my best friend and safe to say our voices were gone by the end of the show […] their concert was one of the best things I have ever experienced.”
Right after the release of their album, Inhaler set off on their North American tour spanning 15 shows in 14 cities. Ramapo English teacher Mrs. Manzo has had the pleasure of seeing the band perform at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park and at The Fillmore in Philadelphia on their most recent tour. Although there is a nearly 1,000 person difference in capacity, she shares that the crowd never lets down. Mrs. Manzo explains, “It’s clear that they have a loyal fan base who knows their songs and what to expect for particular songs. In fact, for one of their songs ‘Who’s Your Money On,’ the crowd even knows to come with ‘Inhaler bills’ and throw them in the air when the chorus of [the] song is played. The crowd goes wild!”
Inhaler preforming at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park in 2024 (Photo credit: Mrs. Manzo)
The band’s concert at The Fillmore this past March (Photo credit: Mrs. Manzo)
Mrs. Manzo is a long-time U2 fan and was first introduced to Inhaler through social studies teacher Mr. Jackson who shared that Bono’s son (Elijah Hewson) is the lead vocalist of the band. She says, “As soon as I started listening, I was hooked.” Although the similarities between U2 and Inhaler was what first struck, after diving into their catalog it was clear to see that they have their own sound that combines the sound of ‘90s rock bands like Oasis or New Order with their new and young energy. “Open Wide” and “Again” are Mrs. Manzo’s favorite songs on the new album and she looks forward to seeing them at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival in September!
As Inhaler continues their world tour and festival run in Europe and Asia, fans are excited to see what comes next in their journey— this is just the beginning!
Inhaler performing at Hammerstein Ballroom in 2023 (Photo credit: Ina Nip)
