Pushing Boundaries: Inhaler’s Open Wide Marks a New Era
Inhaler reaffirms their presence in the alternative rock scene, showcasing their talent for exploring evolving themes with fresh musicality in their latest album, Open Wide. Released on February 7 via Polydor Records, their third studio record marks a pivotal moment in redefining the sound of modern rock. The band’s tight bond, built since they were fourteen, is palpable in every track. Their shared history allows them to seamlessly blend each instrument, crafting a sound that’s both solid and dynamic, with room for improvisation in their live shows. Open Wide serves as a testament to the band’s evolution, showcasing the experience they’ve gained from years of live performances. This expertise allows them to balance studio precision with live-stage energy, infusing the album with raw, infectious spirit.
With just two previous albums, It Won’t Always Be Like This released in 2021 and Cuts and Bruises released in 2023, Inhaler has already carved out a distinctive sound for themselves while keeping an open mind for experimentation. The eleventh track on the record, “X-Ray”, is a perfect example of this. The opening guitar instrumentals introduce a dark Western twang that we haven’t quite heard from them before. As the song progresses, Eli Hewson’s vocals and Ryan McMahon’s drums come in and bring this dragging, psychedelic, ‘60s energy, which brings an innovative new layer to their artistry.
Lyrically, the band also digs deeper, adding a more intimate, character-based approach. When listening, it feels as though you are overhearing, or even a part of, a conversation with these people they’ve written. This new creative addition to their music makes for beautifully relatable storytelling. The opening track to the album, “Eddie In The Darkness”, is a reflection of this lyrical evolution.
The song delves into the internal struggles and emotional battles that arise when dealing with mental health issues such as loneliness, fear, and the feeling of being trapped in the darkness. It conveys a sense of grappling with one’s inner demons, trying to break free from the emotional weight, and ultimately searching for clarity in the consuming darkness. “Eddie In The Darkness” blends contemplative lyrics with a dynamic, energetic sound, making it both emotionally moving and sonically compelling. The darkness in the song symbolizes the personal hardships faced not only by the narrator but also by the character Eddie, reflecting the feeling of being stuck. Yet, there's an underlying hope for redemption, which can resonate with listeners experiencing similar struggles.
Inhaler’s commitment to evolving their craft is admired, but they also continue to reference their past. A demo from 2021 that almost didn’t make it onto the album, “Open Wide” ultimately became a surprise hit, influencing the album’s visuals and branding. It made such a big impact on the members that they even chose to make it their second single, and also made it the title track of the record. For long-time fans, the title track evokes nostalgia by incorporating elements from their earlier albums, blending alt-rock with energetic, driving rhythms that build urgency and power – a hallmark of their sound. The instrumentation mirrors the message of the lyrics, with bold guitar riffs and a fast-paced tempo, creating an anthemic, liberating atmosphere. The combination of these sonic choices reflects the song's spirit of embracing freedom and uncertainty with open arms, making it a powerful, forward-moving track.
Open Wide marks Inhaler’s growth as musicians, blending raw live performance energy with introspective songwriting. The album’s evolution from past works feels both fresh and familiar, solidifying Inhaler as a band who are unafraid to push boundaries while staying true to their core.