‘Open Wide’ Review: Inhaler Blossoms
Inhaler comes into their own with a fine-tuned, fully realized sound in their third studio album, ‘Open Wide.’
I have been following Inhaler since their first album ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This.’ Since then, I have seen the band grow into their own. ‘Open Wide’ is their third studio album and maybe their best yet. It sounds fuller, the sound is deeper, and it is like they have finally blossomed into the band they have always wanted to be. Read our review for ‘Open Wide’ below.
Lyric and production-wise, ‘Open Wide’ is flawless. I am not a frequent listener of alternative band music, leaning more into the pop world, but something about ‘Inhaler’ makes them an exception. It could be Elijah Hewson’s exquisite voice, the memorable baselines, or the charming lyrics. Whatever it is is amplified to the highest degree in this new effort. They are firing off on all cylinders, creating some of their best songs to date. With that is a cohesive, thirteen-track album that does not waste any time.
The lead singer, Elijah Hewson, has never sounded better. I can attest that he sounds just as good live. ‘Open Wide’ feels like a step up despite his voice already being top-tier. Hewson seems to be trying new things, especially in the sixth track, ‘Again’ or the seventh ‘Open Wide.’ In those songs, he is doing beautiful, almost angelic runs. Howling in a perfect tone. One thing I have always admired about his voice is how much emotion he injects into every lyric. It makes the songs much more personable. This is also the first time in one of their albums that they are emphasizing their voices as a part of the track. The most interesting example of this is ‘All I Got Is You,’ which also happens to be my favorite of the album.
The entire album feels bigger than their others. I think this has a lot to do with the main producer on the album, Kid Harpoon. He has worked with artists like Florence + the Machine, Harry Styles, Maggie Rogers, and Miley Cyrus. Winning album of the year with Styles in 2022 for ‘Harry’s House.’ This is his first time working with Inhaler, and what he brings is a fuller sound. The soundscapes are bigger and more complex, which makes this Inhaler’s most interesting album production-wise.
Inhaler is one of the most consistent bands in the alternative realm. They have yet to make a bad album for me, and with further reflection, I believe that ‘Open Wide’ may be their best. If you like Sam Fender or Harry Styles’s self-titled album, then Inhaler is a must-listen. With tracks like ‘Little Things,’ ‘All I Got Is You,’ and ‘Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)’ I can assure you ‘Open Wide’ will be streamed to death in my house at least. I truly have no complaints about the record.
‘Open Wide’ is the third studio album of Inhaler and is produced by Kid Harpoon. The album was released on all music streaming platforms on February 7th.
