Inhaler
Lists:
The Best Irish Bands of All Time
Inhaler is a rising Irish rock band from Dublin, known for their infectious blend of indie rock, anthemic choruses, and 1980s-inspired synth and guitar textures. Formed in 2012 and fronted by Elijah Hewson (son of U2’s Bono), the band has carved out a distinctive sound that fuses post-punk energy with modern alt-rock polish. With two chart-topping albums and a rapidly growing global fanbase, Inhaler has established itself as one of the most exciting new acts to emerge from Ireland in recent years.
Band Members:
- Elijah Hewson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Josh Jenkinson – lead guitar
- Robert Keating – bass, backing vocals
- Ryan McMahon – drums
All four members met at St. Andrews College in Blackrock, Dublin, and bonded over a shared love for bands like The Stone Roses, The Strokes, Joy Division, Interpol, and U2.
Early Years and Breakthrough:
Inhaler began playing together as teenagers and gained traction online with early singles like:
- “It Won’t Always Be Like This” (original version – 2019)
- “My Honest Face”
- “Ice Cream Sundae”
These tracks showcased the band’s ability to blend moody, atmospheric guitar work with soaring choruses and emotionally resonant lyrics, earning them comparisons to The Killers, Kings of Leon, and early U2.
Their energetic live performances and stylish aesthetic helped them attract a strong youth following in Ireland, the UK, and later, mainland Europe and the U.S.
Debut Album – It Won’t Always Be Like This (2021):
Released in July 2021, It Won’t Always Be Like This debuted at No. 1 on the Irish and UK Albums Charts, making them the first Irish act in over a decade to achieve that feat with a debut.
The album includes polished versions of early singles and newer tracks written during the COVID-19 lockdowns. It captures themes of isolation, youth, love, and longing with a mix of optimism and melancholy.
Key tracks:
- “It Won’t Always Be Like This” – an anthem of hope and resilience
- “My Honest Face” – an edgy, synth-driven rocker about identity
- “Cheer Up Baby” – jangly guitars and emotional openness
- “Totally” – dreamy and introspective
- “When It Breaks” – socially conscious and high-energy
The album’s blend of catchy hooks and introspective depth earned critical acclaim and widespread radio play, particularly on BBC Radio 1 and Spotify playlists targeting indie rock audiences.
Sophomore Album – Cuts & Bruises (2023):
Inhaler’s second album, Cuts & Bruises, released in February 2023, saw the band refining their sound, with greater maturity, richer production, and more introspective lyrics. The album maintained their arena-friendly sound while adding a more vulnerable and emotionally nuanced layer.
Highlights include:
- “Love Will Get You There” – upbeat and nostalgic, with shimmering guitars
- “These Are The Days” – a joyous celebration of youth and connection
- “So Far So Good” – introspective and melodic
- “If You’re Gonna Break My Heart” – a stripped-down ballad with vintage tones
The album was well received by critics and fans alike and debuted at No. 1 in Ireland and No. 2 in the UK, confirming their staying power in a competitive alt-rock landscape.
Musical Style and Influences:
Inhaler’s sound is a dynamic fusion of:
- Indie rock and post-punk revival
- Synth-pop and new wave influences
- Anthemic choruses and introspective lyricism
They’ve cited influences such as The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen, Depeche Mode, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, and of course, U2. While comparisons to Elijah’s father are inevitable, the band has successfully crafted its own identity, often focusing on themes of love, growing up, and navigating a fractured world.
Live Performances and Touring:
Inhaler has built a reputation as a thrilling live act. They’ve performed at major festivals including:
- Glastonbury
- Reading & Leeds
- TRNSMT
- Electric Picnic
- Primavera Sound
They’ve also toured extensively across Europe and North America, opening for acts like Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon, while selling out many of their own headline shows.
Recognition and Accolades:
- No. 1 albums in Ireland and the UK
- Named MTV Push Artist and featured in BBC Sound of 2020 longlist
- Regular airplay on BBC Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, and international indie stations
- Growing reputation as the new face of Irish alternative rock
Visual Aesthetic and Identity:
Inhaler has a sleek, stylish image that blends indie cool with nostalgic flair. Their music videos and album art reflect themes of modern youth, retro aesthetics, and emotional introspection — visually complementing their sound and expanding their appeal to Gen Z and millennial listeners alike.
Discography:
- It Won’t Always Be Like This (2021)
- Cuts & Bruises (2023)
(3. Third album expected by late 2025 or 2026 – as per recent interviews)
Conclusion:
Inhaler has quickly risen from Dublin schoolmates to international indie rock stars, combining catchy melodies with moody atmospheres and thoughtful lyrics. Their youthful energy, artistic ambition, and relentless touring schedule suggest a long and promising road ahead. With each release, they continue to step out of the shadows of influence and into a sound all their own — emotional, electrifying, and entirely modern.
