Inhaler Live At O2 The Ritz – Words by Tom F-H
You know it is going to be an interesting show when there are three drum kits and a million guitars lying around. It was the last day of Inhaler’s UK tour, and I had a prime, viewing spot from the stage-left balcony. The first thing to note about Inhaler’s support comrades is that they were both incredibly new. Dylan Fraser and his band were first to brave the chaos of wires and synth pads, as electronic waves mixed with ‘flying V’ guitar solos. Fraser was followed by the prolific Wet Leg, who recently released their second single, performing more conventional indie with relatable lyrics.
The crowd exploded. Lights dimmed and Inhaler claimed the stage; warming up everyone’s voices by preluding their set with classic Britpop tunes. The four lads (who are the same age as me) rocked and rolled into the spotlights. Proving their metal with flawless musicianship whilst exuding a coolness accentuated by their sultry attitudes and 90s grunge outfits.
With the room drenched in blue, then red, then pink, Elijah Hewson belted big sing-along choruses to the crowd. The crowd belted back. The whole floor jumped, and I reminisced that it had been a while since I had seen a barrier literally move.
A lady next to me called out and waved at her child, picked out in the sea of faces below. They whooped and yelled, raised their arms, and opened mosh pits together.
Inhaler’s tour was a celebration of the next generation of rock. And a sure-fire sign that it isn’t disappearing any time soon.
Missed the gig? Inhaler will play at the inaugural festival, Neighbourhood Weekender 2022 at Victoria Park Warrington alongside Courteeners, Kasabian, Blossoms, DMA’S, Tom Grennan, Becky Hill & more.