Guitar music is back and Dublin-born Inhaler are steering the revival. Their sold-out show on the 9th of October at the Corn Exchange proved as much, as they put on an energetic, atmospheric and electric show.
The night kicked off with Scustin, a band I’d never seen before but who definitely made an impression. Shirtless, chaotic, and completely in their element, they tore across the stage with impressive energy, captivating the audience, who knew relatively few words but still seemed completely enthralled. With utter confidence and authority, we were told to get onto the ground and bounce, as the lead singer threw himself through the audience. I’ve been to very few such interactive gigs, and was sceptical about the success of this endeavour, but Scustin pulled it off. I can guarantee you most of the audience that night had never heard of this group, and left being able to never forget them.
Next up was the Guest List, a band completely unknown to me, but now cemented onto my playlists. Their charming and affable vibe shone through their indie soft rock sound, and they overcame the hushed chatter that rippled through the audience throughout their set impressively. They premiered a new song towards the end of their gig, ‘Ruine’, much to the delight of everyone around me. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance, and thought it the perfect opener for the main event to come.
Screams of excitement bellowed throughout the building, as the four Irish men took their spots. Opening on a high with ‘Open Wide’, the titular song of their newest album, the energy was high. Inhaler’s music suits an indoor venue, creating an electric but intimate atmosphere. Having seen them perform a few times before, it is clear that they are beginning to really come into their own. They moved about the stage in a state of ease and comfort, engaging with the adoring audience and even cracking jokes. Announcing just before their song ‘Little Things,’ “This next one’s from One Direction,” a reference to the X-Factor alumnus’ song of the same name. And an apt comment, as the room had a feeling reminiscent of One Direction mania, coming from adoring teenage fans. Still, the crowd was more varied than expected, proof that Inhaler has transcended their early image: boy bands aren’t just for teenage girls, teenage girls simply spot the talent first.
The setlist drew heavily from Open Wide, their most recent album and the reason for the tour. High points included the euphoric ‘Eddie’s in the Darkness’, which turned the audience into a roaring choir of “Yeah, yeah, yeahs.” ‘My King Will Be Kind’ reignited the room after ‘Who’s Your Money On.’ before rolling smoothly into the anthem-like ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’. The encore felt like the cherry on top, a gentle reminder that Inhaler aren’t just a great live act, but a band steadily defining what the next era of Irish rock could sound like.
Inhaler is proof that guitar music didn’t die; it just needed some Irish charm.
Image via Xanthe Grammaticas