Inhaler is coming in hot with their third studio album, "Open Wide," and wow, what a re-ball game. Stepping out from outside the indie framework, the genre-defying effort defines the genre standards for generations to come and secures the band's place in history as rock heirs.
On Open Wide, Inhaler pushes boundaries, melding classic rock, pop, and indie influences into nostalgic and innovative sounds. "Open Wide" starts with "Eddie In The Darkness," a crackling lead track that immediately establishes the mood with soaring guitar riffs, pulsing rhythms, and Elijah Hewson's unmistakable raw-knife vocals. His voice, one steeped in rock heritage, delivers an emotional range that hooks the listener from the opening bar to the last.
The lead single, "Your House," is an anthem-to-be, psychedelic dance-rock with gospellike harmonies. Its hypnotic chorus, "Thеre ain't sharp enough knife To cut me out of your life," encapsulates the emotional intensity that courses through the whole record. It's a song that deserves to be played loud, yelled even louder, and felt in the marrow of your bones.
It's a dynamic production, exulting in the visionary Kid Harpoon (Harry's House, Maggie Rogers), who produced Open Wide. Tracks such as "A Question Of You" and the title track, "Open Wide," build gospel-style vocals for an ethereal effect, while "Even Though" and "Still Young" lean into cinematic, atmospheric soundscapes. The result? It's a personal album that is also anthemic on a universal scale.
At 48 minutes and 11 seconds over 13 tracks, "Open Wide" is an experience. A cathartic, high-octane ride that begs to be heard live, shouted at the top of your lungs, felt in every heartbeat.