INHALER // RIVERSIDE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
inhaler bring their biggest uk headline to date to newcastle upon tyne’s riverside.
INHALER PERFORMING AT NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE’S RIVERSIDE - 22.02.2020
PICTURE BY: | SAMANTHA SADLER PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★★ (5/5)
As a regular gig-goer, I’m always looking for great new bands to see and Inhaler has been on my list for a good while. Everyone I know that has seen them has been wowed by their performance and looking at social media, the Dubin indie rockers have already built up a sizable fanbase. So it’s fair to say I was both excited and had high expectations to catch them at Riverside, Newcastle on 22nd February.
Having grown up listening to U2, thank you to my mum for her impeccable music taste, I was initially intrigued due to frontman Elijah Hewson being the son of the legendary Bono. However it was Inhaler’s unique sound and amalgamation of similarities to The Horrors, Joy Division and of course a glimmer of U2 in there, that has ensured I’ve kept them on repeat for the past couple of weeks. So, did they meet my high expectations live? Well actually, they exceed them.
First up to open the evening was FEET which I’ve had my eyes (and ears) on for a little while as they’ve brought out new singles.On stage though is really where the eccentric pop five-piece comes to life. Entering the stage arm in arm, their unique fashion sense and animated strutting further added to the whimsical spectacle that was FEET.
Grooving through tracks including English Weather, Ad Blue and Petty Thieving, the set was embellished with frontman George Haverson’s tambourine, funky basslines and animated loops. Aside from their carefree stage presence which was endearing to watch, each single was played with such care and fun that was infectious for us all watching. A cracking opener that I’ll definitely be going to see again.
FEET PERFORMING AT NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE’S RIVERSIDE - 22.02.2020
PICTURE BY: | SAMANTHA SADLER PHOTOGRAPHY
As soon as Inhaler came to the stage it was evident how packed the sold-out venue actually was. It wasn’t long until everyone was jumping on someone else’s shoulders and thank god - I’ve been to too many flat gigs in Newcastle of late so this was an absolute treat.
Delighting with their still relatively small catalogue of tracks, each opening instrumental was greeted with whoops of delight. Latest single We Have To Move On is perhaps one of their most lively to date and packed with dramatic drops in tempo that explode into crescendos of pure indie rock and roll, getting everyone dancing and singing along. Another personal favourite of mine has to be Ice Cream Sundae, which literally oozes with comparisons to U2 as Hewson’s vocals earnestly croon over 80s style electro-pop melodies.
A great frontman with bags of charisma, Hewson ensured every member of the quartet was introduced to the audience in front of them as they crafted impeccable beats to compliment his powerful vocals.
Closing on the roof-raising, anthemic tune that is My Honest Face, you’re transported back to early 90s vibes of the likes of The Verve and I absolutely loved it. Everyone in the audience danced, lyrics were screamed to ricochet off the roof and it was honestly so much fun to be a part of.
Let the U2 connection intrigue you but expect to fall in love with Inhaler for the fantastic, individual band that they are. These guys will be headlining festivals before long and I’ll be down the front.
SETLIST: | INHALER : RIVERSIDE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE - 22.02.2020
When I’m With You
It Won’t Always Be Like This
Falling In
A Night on the Floor
Ice Cream Sundae
My King Will Be Kind
We Have to Move On
Cheer Up Baby
There’s No Other Place
My Honest Face