Bella Platt
Full time student and live music enthusiast, actively involved in Manchester and Newcastle’s music scene, interviewing and reviewing grassroots bands and larger indie acts.
Performing tracks from their latest album ‘Open Wide‘, Inhaler introduced us to their more polished, pop-oriented sound in Newcastle’s O2 City Hall
But don’t worry- the infectious, hip-shaking atmosphere that gained Inhaler a cult following still remains. The shift in musical style for their new album ‘Open Wide’ was evident, yet it felt organic—a natural progression rather than a drastic reinvention. It’s clear that the band has returned to their roots, recording demos at home and reclaiming full control over their musical journey.
Among the setlist highlights, ‘Eddie In The Darkness‘ received an enthusiastic reception, particularly impressive given its recent release. However, the most poignant moment of the night came with the band’s first-ever live performance of ‘Concrete‘.
The song’s intimate and vulnerable nature was mirrored by lead singer Eli’s slightly nervous announcement—an endearing moment that underscored the humanity behind the success. With its swung rhythm and country-tinged melodies, the track slowed the pace for a deeply personal performance, contrasting with their more anthemic numbers such as ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This‘ and ‘Dublin in Ecstasy‘.
Inhaler’s signature yearning vocals, the very quality that catapulted them to fame, found a perfect home in the converted theatre venue. Its grandeur complemented their increasingly theatrical and confident stage presence, adding a new dimension to their performance. A particular highlight from the night was ‘My King Will Be Kind‘, a throwback from their first album, that was met with screams from an eager and dedicated crowd as the signature guitar chords began.
The band’s new-found sense of artistic freedom translated seamlessly to the stage; a palpable joy was felt in the band and crowd alike. As the final notes rang out and the lights dimmed, it was clear—Inhaler are not just evolving; they’re thriving, embracing past sounds while fearlessly stepping into their future.
Read our album review of ‘Open Wide’ here.
Listen to ‘Open Wide’ here:
Discover more from Clunk Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You must be logged in to post a comment.