Album Review: Inhaler – Cuts and Bruises

By Resonate | May 4, 2023

Words by Matt Thomas

Following on from their successful debut album It Won’t Always be Like This, Inhaler are back with an equally impressive sophomore release Cuts and Bruises. The album showcases Inhaler’s developed sound, with each track more musically mature and sonically defined. Tracks such as Just To Keep You Satisfied and These Are The Days come as sing-along anthems featuring thrashing drums, heartwarming synths and staple, overdrive-heavy guitars. On top, lead singer Elijah’s vocals come drenched indie rock sensibilities,  working hand in glove with the band’s well-penned lyricism. Other tracks, such as If You’re Gonna Break My Heart showcase a more vulnerable side to the band, with swirling guitars and synths creating a fully immersive musical experience. 

Unfortunately, the album’s weak point appears on Dublin in Ecstacy and When I Have Her On My Mind. These tracks only seem to fill up track space on the album. The emotive nature of these connects with the audience as much as the previous songs on the album. Luckily tunes such as Valentine provide a slightly new and faster-paced sound that picks up the album again. 

The band have proved that they’re strong future headline contenders. With a successful debut offering and a fantastic follow-up, it’s clear they have found their footing in an oversaturated indie-rock market.

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