Our RTÉ Radio 1 Album Of The Week is Cuts & Bruises, the sophomore record by Dublin rock contenders Inhaler - listen to Cuts & Bruises below, via Spotify.
Following a prolonged period of touring, Cuts & Bruises began to take shape over Christmas 2021 in The Nunnery, their rehearsal space in hometown Dublin, with the four band members – vocalist and guitarist Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon – writing and rehearsing a clutch of new songs.
"It was just the four of us jamming in the live room and trying to come up with ideas on the spot," says Keating. "Playing live for a few months beforehand really helped shape what kind of direction we wanted to take it in."
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What the critics are saying:
NME: 'While some will find it hard to get past the #NepoBaby discourse – it is your loss, honestly – there is joy to be had here on this thoroughly enjoyable collection. 'Cuts and Bruises' is a record that shows instead of tells: lead singles ‘Love Will Get You There’ and ‘These are The Days’ are ambitious as most pop songs ought to be, leaving a subtle and indelible trace. The album may not be teeming with experimentation – and somewhat understated in places – but it’s certainly potent enough.'
Hot Press: Lead single 'These Are The Days' grooves like a Kings Of Leon anthem; ‘Dublin In Ecstasy’, a song that predates even their first album, has echoes of Springsteen; and there’s a fine Mike Scott feel to standout number ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’. This is no mere emulation or homage: by assimilating the work of other artists, Inhaler have successfully transcended their influences and forged their own identity. Watch them soar.
Far Out: 'Cuts & Bruises' won't make Inhaler the saviours of rock 'n’ roll, but neither do they foster ambitions to be in that position. The Dublin band’s sound is closer to vintage pop than rock, but that doesn’t discredit their credentials and ability to make authentic music from the heart. Cynics will wrongly suggest Hewson’s famous father as a reason for the band’s success, but Eli is his own artist, and Inhaler’s journey is only beginning.
Listen to this week's RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends list below:
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