Album Review: 'Cuts & Bruises' - Inhaler

Inhaler’s second studio album, Cuts & Bruises, is an instant hit. The record, composed of 11 songs, was released on the 17th February, and upon hearing it for the first time, I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia - the songs all have rings of the band’s old classics from their IWABLT era, but spun into new gold. 

The theme of the album seems to be this hopeful yearning, an ache lined with some optimism, with poignant heartbreak anthems like 'If You’re Gonna Break my Heart' accompanied by 'So Far So Good', a song that simply says ‘oh well’ to memories of a past lover. 

'These Are the Days', the album’s lead single, rings reminiscent of 'It Won’t Always Be Like This' from their first album of the same title. It’s a stark reminder- hey, this isn’t forever, whatever you’re living, it’ll pass. It’s equal parts scary, insightful, and hopeful. 

Listening through and hearing their sound develop from their first album is truly an ode to the band’s maturity, as they find their feet and cement their place in the “alternative-pop” genre, the label of which was given to them by our very own Geordie legend Sam Fender. It’s fitting, as the band masterfully combines the explosiveness of the pop genre with the edginess of the indie genre. 

Overall, Cuts & Bruises exceeded my expectations. Long term fans get to see the band in a new light, as their work becomes more defined, more open - with lyrics so cutthroat and a beat so danceable, there’s a little something for everyone in this 11 part piece. Go listen.