Inhaler’s debut ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ is everything we thought it would be

Dublin-based indie-rock band Inhaler’s lead singer Eli Hewson’s looks are, unfortunately, not the only resemblance to his father Bono.

We have always known that U2 has been one of the biggest bands around, but we were not expecting for their successors to follow the same steps.

With the first track – which gives the name to the album – the band immediately makes a statement. Roaring guitars and beats flow alongside Hewson’s warm and scratchy vocals and, before we know it, ‘My Honest Face’ starts playing. And things start to sound a bit too familiar.

However, the benefit of the doubt should always be given. In fact, with the original and youthful, yet melancholic track ‘Slide Out The Window’, Inhaler prove to have their own musical personality.

“When the seasons change and it gets dark, we’ll own sunrise”

Frontman, Elijah Hewson

Lyricism is very important in music and, although Inhaler holds a lot of promise, the lyrics remind me of a 00’s indie-rock band that is just starting out. Which, I guess, is just what Inhaler is.

After the known ‘Cheer up Baby’, the rock-ish ‘A Night On The Floor’, which sounds just like something on U2’s 2009 No Line On The Horizon, sounds. However, Eli’s vocals stand out and his bandmates’ musical ability is certainly not void of talent.

I believe that the true protagonist of this album is the catchy and slightly acoustic ‘My King Will Be Kind’: with a flawless chorus singing all about not fitting in, the young band explode in harmonies and melodies that sound mature and pre-meditated, followed by a rather bright guitar solo.

After the strong ‘When It Breaks’, the indie-alternative-rock-ish ‘Who’s Your Money On (Plastic House‘ starts. When I first heard this single, I was blown away. It is catchy, fresh, youthful and it shows Inhaler’s many talents off. The chorus is very eclectic, but it is exciting enough for me to listen to it on repeat. ‘Totally’ follows, with its nostalgic and retro personality.

“I know what you’re gonna say, that after all this time I’m not yours, you’re not mine…”

Frontman, Elijah Hewson

After telling the listeners about heartbreak and hurt, Inhaler gets closer to the closing track of It Won’t Always Be Like This. Following the – in my opinion redundant yet meaningful – instrumental interlude ‘Strange Time To Be Alive’, ‘In My Sleep’ is the eleventh, and last, track on Inhaler’s debut album.

Not only it is the closing track, but it is also one of the best. With its electric personality, it sounds like Inhaler made the conscious decision to finish with a roar. Once again though, I cannot tell if it is Inhaler’s personality or some sort of osmosis from their father’s music. It Won’t Always Be Like This is a decent and dignified debut, and I can’t wait to hear it live.

Overall, the album has its meaning. The band has worked on it through a global epidemic and the melancholy can be felt throughout. After all, a debut is always a great achievement. Furthermore, it is important to remember that there is a huge difference between copying and being inspired by someone, and I am confident that Inhaler has – either consciously or not – just taken teachings and inspiration from U2 because let’s be honest, who wouldn’t?