Popular Irish rock boyband Inhaler has released their highly anticipated third studio album, “Open Wide” on Friday, Feb. 7. Their album rollout began in late October, when the upbeat lead single “Your House” came out. Since then, three other songs have been pre-released: the title track “Open Wide” on Dec. 6, “A Question of You” on Jan. 17 and “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” two days before the album.
In conversation with “Dork Magazine,” the band revealed how they decided to embrace change and step into a new direction musically while creating this new album. In comparison to their alternative sound throughout their first two records “It Won’t Always Be Like This” and “Cuts & Bruises,” their style shifted, leaning towards a more pop-sound this time.
With more time to focus on making music as their gigs were not in the near future, drummer Ryan McMahon explained how “It gave [them] the freedom to try things,” as they wrote almost 40 pieces for this album and found a new producer. This came after a mutual agreement to leave their previous and long-time producer Antony Genn who resembled an uncle to the band, Inhaler connected with famous producer Kid Harpoon. Harpoon is known for producing pop music for artists such as Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus and more.
Consisting of 13 tracks, “Open Wide” is a fresh sound and style in comparison to their previous music. This factor remains evident throughout the record as one listens to it. Inhaler successfully introduces their fans to a new version of them, while also staying true or not straying too far from the sound that separates them from other acts. Their new mode of expression is not too unfamiliar to lose an audience.
This record includes several electric-guitar and synth-based tracks, and is primarily focused on the subject of love or relationships. The opening track, “Eddie in the Darkness,” features a catchy hook and provides a glimpse into the remainder of the album. It manages to catch the audience’s attention with a memorable and dynamic chorus. As one continues listening to each track, they will find pop-like inspiration in each song, such as the syncopation or way the instrumental is utilized.
Throughout the body of work, this sound is almost prominent, while also providing each song with a unique flow and cadence. One stand-out-track is “Still Young,” with a heavy guitar instrumental and sentimental message. The slower song, tempo-wise, reflects on growing older, yet acknowledging that you still have time in life. Simultaneously, a young love or relationship is described within the lyrics, as the singer recalls meeting the subject on a Sunday, and towards the end, “wanting [them] to stay.”
“Concrete” has a steady, catchy guitar tempo throughout the song, also making it distinguishable from the others. The final song on the album, “Little Things,” concludes the record on a strong, passionate note. Lyrics-wise, the narrator describes how nothing could alter their opinion on instances or factors surrounding a complicated relationship. Accompanied by electric guitar, the upbeat chorus expresses, “Nothing’s gonna change the way I feel about little things, those little things.”
While many fans are supportive of this musical shift, others share polarizing perspectives. On the popular media website Reddit, user @wishiwereagoonie calls the album “consistently more enjoyable” than their previous body of work. They also share how in comparison to others, “[They] don’t mind the shift in sound. In fact [they were] hoping they’d push the experimentation a bit further than they have.”
Concurrently, user @yaplap322 has acknowledged this “different vibe” from their previous records and their new producer, confessing, “…I guess I was taken [aback] because it’s such a different tune— very pop, tiny bit of rock.”
Regardless of their sound or which direction Inhaler decides to take in the future, there will always be a fanbase supporting this decision or disagreeing with it. All in all, it is the musicians’ idea of what they choose to put out and the supporters’ choice to enjoy it, or find something else to entertain themselves.
4 / 5 stars
rross1@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @inhalerdublin, Instagram
