Love will get you there, they say? Inhaler seem to be onto something, for the love in this room tonight truly rivalled that of the blustery winds outside. Please welcome to the stage…
INHALER
Gurriers are known for interacting with their crowd, and the size of the current audience doesn’t seem to intimidate or put them off in the slightest. Lead Vocalist, Dan Hoff, steps up multiple times, only a barrier separating him from hundreds of reaching hands. Whilst most impressive is bassist Charlie McCarthy, who throws himself straight into the middle of the heaving pit for the bridge of Des Goblin. It is no easy swarm of people to infiltrate, never mind continuing to play an instrument while doing so, and it looks even harder to escape. Their set is relentless, fast, a whirlwind of drums, guitar riffs and riled-up vocals. The crowd are ready, they’re loose, they’ve become well acquainted with their neighbours by the time Gurriers walk off stage.
There’s a buzz in the air, a hum, as people wait for the main act to appear, and they’re punctual, appearing on stage bang on 9pm. The roar of the crowd, which is already loud, goes up an octave as Eli Hewson, Josh Jenkinson, Robert Keating, and Ryan McMahon of Inhaler stroll out onto the stage, cool as anything. The four-piece appear to be holding nothing back, prepared to give everything they’ve got to their devout audience and they start as they mean to go on, bringing My Honest Face to the front of the queue. A strong start, the crowd are immediately moving, their vocals almost overpowering Hewson’s as they sing along…and we’ve only just begun.
“This is our second – third time? No, second! – time in one of the best venues in the UK!”
Eddie In The Darkness and A Question Of You follow, both heavy with the potential to become indie classics. The crowd’s reaction is proof that Open Wide has already cemented itself into the hearts of Inhaler’s fans, despite being released less than a week ago. The crowd don’t let up with their backing vocals, not even once. And when we’re swept back to 2021, with tracks Totally and When It Breaks from their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This, bodies are swaying with reckless abandon, silent prayers are being sent up, wishing it COULD always be like this exact moment.
Little Things, which closes out the latest album, is a bone rattler of a song live. A fiery energy seeps out of every crevice of the band during this track, they’re pouring it into the crowd below. This performance is a statement, Inhaler are exactly where they have always meant to be. They’re on the alter, and the people below are soaking up everything they’re being given.
Tricolour lights flood the stage, least the crowd forget where exactly this band hails from, as Dublin in Ecstasy starts – Hewson’s raw vocals blending seamlessly with his and Jenkinson’s guitars, McMahon’s drums, Keating’s bass and the final, necessary touch of Louis Lambert’s keys. The crowd well and truly are “dancing to a tune” and when the quick step beat of Love Will Get You There starts and Hewson sings “I’m feeling so alive”, the statement rings true for everyone in the room.
“Our sound guy reckons this is one of the best sounding rooms, what do you say?”
The band start to close out their set with their beloved Cheer Up Baby, and the crowd goes wild, pouring everything they’ve got out, back towards the Dubliners. And whilst they may be on the alter, the genuine care and appreciation towards their fans is immediately evident when they stop midway through their final song to alert security to someone in trouble in the middle of the pit. There’s a pause, the band refusing to continue until they are happy the gig-goer is okay and safe. As they pick back up from where they left off, the air feels heavy, emotional perhaps. Hewson had mentioned earlier “London, it’s a big night for us” and it feels it. There are equal levels of respect, appreciation, and gratefulness between both the band and their listeners.
When they come back for the encore, playing their title track Open Wide, there are people embracing each other throughout the venue, “arms out open wide.” The energy is electric, heart-stopping, precious. The crowd know they have been privy to something bigger than them all, something rare, pure magic. As Inhaler close the night out with Your House, it no longer feels as if we are in such a big space. Everyone feels much closer, the crowd and the band. It’s exhilaration, it’s hope, it’s joy.
INHALER PERFORMED TUESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY
WORDS: TALIA ROBINSON
ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM
We’re not only Nottingham’s favourite venue and nightclub – we’re the UK’s best live venue with a rich history of performers that have played here. Inhaler are back and we’re so glad to welcome them through our doors before they make it even bigger!
Also while you’re at it, why not check out our gig guide and see if any other of your favourite artists like Inhaler are playing soon! We also have our club nights on a Thursday (Tuned), Friday (Get Lucky) and Saturday (Rebel Rebel) so check those out too!
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