Inhaler - Cuts and Bruises

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 20 / 3 / 2023

Label: Polydor
Format: CD

Fiery and distinctive post-punk on second album from Inhaler, the band of Bono's eldest son Elijah Hewson

Review

Inhaler's first album, 'It Won't Always Be Like This', helped the band - fronted by Bono's eldest son Elijah Hewson - counter the inevitable grumbles about rock'n'roll nepotism. The album quickly topped the UK charts in 2021 and its spacious guitar anthems were sure-footed, energetic and impressive. The band's second album 'Cuts & Bruises' now offers more of the same and Hewson has clearly developed as a songwriter while his three bandmates also demonstrate their versatility on rock-soul ballad 'If You're Gonna Break My Heart' and the more pop-orientated track, 'Love Will Get You There'. On 'So Far, So Good' there are moments when Elijah's strong vocals emulate his father but other similarities between Inhaler and U2 probably arise more from the current vogue amongst young acts (like The 1975 and Sam Fender) for 1980s-style rock than from any familial connection. In fact 'Cuts & Bruises' probably owes more to Magazine, Joy Division or The Pretenders than to Bono's U2. A couple of critics have unkindly suggested Inhaler are “U2-2” but this is unfair and Elijah Hewson and the band are definitely charting their own distinctive course. U2 are currently focusing on re-recording old tracks for their forthcoming album, 'Songs Of Surrender' - so it is particularly refreshing to hear Bono's son Elijah and Inhaler producing brand new, all-original, arena-ready rock material of their own.

Track Listing:-

1 Just To Keep You Satisfied
2 Love Will Get You There
3 So Far So Good
4 These Are The Days
5 If You’re Gonna Break My Heart
6 Perfect Storm
7 Dublin in Ecstasy
8 When I Have Her On My Mind
9 Valentine
10 The Things I Do
11 Now You Got Me