Album Review: Inhaler – Open Wide
3 min read
Inhaler, with their latest album Open Wide, are successfully bringing pop back into alternative music, setting themselves apart from the grittier direction of Fontaines D.C. and Idles. Taking a page from Harry Styles’ playbook, they’ve enlisted his producer, Kid Harpoon (real name Tom Hull), but adapted his style with a heavier guitar focus. The result is a catchy, polished, and easy-on-the-ear record—another win for the musical nepo baby. Elijah Hewson, Bono’s son, can now join the ranks of Gracie Abrams and Lola Young, proving that while industry connections open doors, real talent and ambition are what sustain success. Hope the Beckhams are paying attention.
The album isn’t groundbreaking, but it is ambitious. Eddie in Darkness is a pedal-driven guitar anthem reminiscent of early-2000s indie, packed with energy and fun. It’s swiftly followed by Billy Yeah Yeah Yeah, where the band leans further into pop, layering electric drum machines and disco flourishes. This continues on The Charm, with a synth line that nods nostalgically to early MGMT. The band’s ability to merge genres makes for an interesting listen, even if at times it feels like they are playing it safe rather than pushing boundaries.
The standout track is All I Got Is You—slickly produced and easily mistaken for something off Harry’s House, blending vulnerable lyrics with euphoric guitar riffs and shimmering synths. It’s one of those tracks that feels both personal and stadium-ready, a balance that not all artists can achieve. Another highlight is A Question for You, an undeniably infectious track featuring a gospel-style backing choir that radiates joy. It showcases their adaptability in incorporating different elements of pop while maintaining originality. There’s an effort here to craft songs that are both accessible and dynamic, ensuring the album doesn’t become too one-note.
However, Open Wide’s biggest flaw is its inconsistency. While much of the album leans into a polished pop-rock sound, there are moments where Inhaler seems unsure of their direction. It would have been more impressive if they had fully committed to the pop influence while incorporating other elements, rather than veering off into completely different territory. Tracks like Little Things and X-Ray lack the qualities of a cohesive pop album and feel like they belong on a different project altogether. Meanwhile, Concrete is weak and uninspired, offering little character and making its inclusion feel unnecessary. These moments disrupt the flow of an otherwise enjoyable album and make it feel more like a collection of individual songs rather than a fully realized body of work.
That said, there’s no denying that Inhaler knows how to craft a catchy tune. The album proves they have the potential to evolve into something greater, even if they haven’t quite mastered their sound just yet. Open Wide may not be revolutionary, but it cements Inhaler’s place in the industry as a band capable of blending indie-rock roots with mainstream appeal. Despite its inconsistencies, it’s a fun, infectious listen that shows talent and ambition—not just famous last names—are what truly make an artist.
