LIVE REVIEW: INHALER @ PRINCE BANDROOM 30/8/24
Photography Credit: Chloe Mathias
When I got the message that I was approved for a media pass to see Inhaler at The Prince last Friday I literally started crying.
They quickly become one of my favourite bands when I discovered them at 15, and they transformed the trajectory of my music taste for years to come. If you’re into rock with a bit of a retro vibe, they’re definitely worth a listen. Inhaler is characterized by its indie-rock melodies with soaring guitar riffs and energetic rhythms. They feel very early 2000s rock nostalgic – it’s no doubt Elijah gets his flare from his dad (Bono from U2), but their sound simultaneously feels contemporarily fresh.
Their distinctive rock style makes you feel optimistically about existence (ergo ‘It Won’t Always be Like This’), listening to them is comparative to that ecstasy you feel when you’re high on adrenaline. Hence why I was so pumped to see them live- particularly after hearing the prestigious reputation they’ve built of delivering a high energy, eclectic live show.
The dashing 5-piece coming all the way for Dublin Ireland consists of vocalist Elijah, Robert on the bass, Josh on guitar, and Ryan on the drums- their looks are enough to make you swoon, but their raw talent brings the band to the next level. As the came on stage, everyone screeched (including me), I even heard a few cries – and who can blame them, they are a beautiful bunch of young men.
The Prince was packed to the brim, so I could barely see them, but it added to the experience being amongst the crowds enthusiasm. They opened with ‘These are The Days’ and tears came out of my eyes. Elijah’s stage presence is so commanding – he has got this charisma and anthemic style that really makes him stand out as a vocalist.
The electricity between the guitarists and the drummer and Elijah’s vivacious vocals, coupled with the dynamic stage lighting made it all feel very surreal. What I noticed is they really captured that lively spirit they have in their recordings but at the same time make their performances of it really dynamic and powerful.
My favourites in particular were ‘My Honest Face’, ‘These Were The Days’, and ‘When in Breaks’ – all made me jump up and down like a maniac. I am pretty sure I lost my voice and feeling in my legs in It Won’t Always Be Like This – I was hand in hand with my bestie as we screamed ‘MY HAND IS IN YOUR HAND IT WONT ALWAYS BE LIKE THIS’ with the rest of the girlies in the crowd.
In the best way – the feeling I got in that moment I knew that it really wont always be like this- how lucky are we to see these marvels in the flesh!. What a once in a lifetime experience. I walked out of The Prince, (even though it took ages to get out because of how packed it was), completely elated.
Their Melbourne Debut was not to be missed.
