As Lujon by Henry Mancini played to the roughly 30,000 fans at Wythenshawe Park, the four Irish lads, Josh, Eli, Rob and Ryan (joined by their touring pianist Louis Lambert) strutted onto the stage and their instruments immediately burst into life. Heralding Inhaler‘s phenomenal 45 minute set at Blossoms Big Weekend (25th August), the band built upon the electrifying atmosphere created by the other supporting artists. After opening with their hit “Love Will Get You There”, the crowd was already buzzing with anticipation, and they weren’t disappointed.
PHOTO BY @EMMA GRAHAM
Frontman Elijah Hewson’s energy was unmatched and his vocals were almost enchanting to hear live. The tightness of the band along with the sharpness of Josh and Eli’s guitars created the perfect blend, especially in the tracks Dublin In Ecstasy and These Are The Days. In contrast, the strong drum and bass duo of Rob and Ryan were behind some of the fan favourites and crowd pleasers – Who’s Your Money On? and My Honest Face.
As the sun began to disappear behind the clouds, Rob got the whole crowd jumping to the kick drum of Who’s Your Money On? and the excited energy of the fans, new and old, was one of the highlights of the night. Across the park, there was a sense of togetherness and celebration. Whether it was from their cowboy hats or t-shirts or even heart shaped balloons, Inhaler fans created such an enthusiastic and excited atmosphere that it was clear they weren’t an act to be missed.
The smell of the rain still hung in the air (it was Manchester after all) as Inhaler ended their nine song setlist with their indie rock hits It Won’t Always Be Like This and My Honest Face. Speaking with Seb Lowe – who has opened for Inhaler on several occasions – before the band’s set, he concurred Inhaler are a “really good” band. With the whole of the park jumping, fans clambering onto shoulders and singing as one, Josh revelled in playing his famous solo during the title track of their debut album, It Wont Always Be Like This, prompting a rapturous response from the crowd.
Their nonchalant approach coupled with their strong discography of indie rock tracks means it’s hard not to be drawn into Inhaler. After such an amazing performance in Manchester, the Dublin-based band will surely have new fans joining their longstanding fanbase, eager to see them perform with new music in the North again soon.
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