Following the release of their second album ‘Cuts and Bruises’ on February, 17 the Irish indie-rock band headlined Rock City last week as part of their 11-date UK tour.
Since last headlining the venue in October 2021, the band, consisting of frontman Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon, have performed at Glastonbury.
They have also fulfilled supporting slots for Arctic Monkeys and are set to support Harry Styles at his ‘Love On Tour’ date at Slane Castle in Ireland this June.
Eager fans queued along Talbot Street, with many wearing merchandise from the band’s previous’ ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ tour, proving their commitment within the fandom.
The night began with Britpop band FEET, a five piece who originally met at Coventry University.
With an infectious stage presence and clear influences from the likes of Blur and Pulp, the crowd were instantly engaged.
My personal highlight was the performance of their track ‘English Weather’, which is one of two songs that remain from one of their writing sessions after finishing their studies.
As the lights dimmed, Inhaler were warmly welcomed on stage.
Opening with ‘These Are The Days’, the second single from their most recent album ‘Cut and Bruises’, the crowd instantly erupted into screams and chants as mosh pits began to open.
“These are the days that follow you home” the crowd confidently sang as Hewson smiled back at them.
The setlist showcased songs from Inhaler’s entire discography, including their debut album ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’, earlier single ‘We Have To Move On’ as well as favourites from their newly released second album.
One of the highlights of the night included the live debut of ‘The Things I Do’, which had been added to the setlist for the first time at Rock City.
With a striking string instrumental and romantic lyricism, this slightly more mellow track created a bond between all of the concert-goers as they were able to walk away, bragging about how so far, they were the only Inhaler fans to have heard this track live.
Another highlight of the night included the performance of ‘Dublin In Ecstasy’, which Hewson explained was “one for the old fans.”
A long-time fan favourite recorded in the studio for the first time for new album ‘Cut and Bruises’, it is clear to see why fans were so eager for its release, with high energy levels remaining prominent throughout its entirety.
As the introduction of the band’s hit ‘Cheer Up Baby’ began to echo through the venue, it was clear to see that the band’s earlier singles hadn’t lost their novelty, with mosh pits once again opening in the centre of the crowd.
Inhaler closed the night with their debut album title track ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’, a full circle moment in my opinion as this was the track that they started their 2021 tour with.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Josh Jenkinson” shouted frontman Hewson before the guitarist performed the iconic guitar riff that the song is famous for.
With the crowd jumping in unison and audibly belting the guitar solo, it was the perfect end to an incredible night.
Throwing their guitar picks and drumsticks into the crowd, the band said their goodbyes, blowing kisses and thanking fans for an unforgettable show.
Inhaler’s growth has been impressive over the past year, with an ever-growing, loyal fanbase to prove it, and this show cemented why the band deserve this.
With their infectious stage presence and impressive live vocals making me fall in love with their discography even more than before, the energy of an Inhaler show is one that you will struggle to match.
With a prosperous future, it’s safe to say that Inhaler will headline arenas in the near future, and we hope that the Motorpoint will be on this list.
Image Credits: Hannah Adams