By Emeli Meagher
Photography Copyright 2025 © Lewis Evans for INHALER. All rights reserved.
One of London’s most iconic music venues was brought to life this week by Inhaler, as they celebrated the release of their highly anticipated third album, Open Wide.
The O2 Academy Brixton has long been a legendary stage for rock’s biggest names—The Rolling Stones, The Smiths, and Deftones—many of whom have influenced Inhaler’s latest record.
Though some still annoyingly fixate on frontman Eli Hewson’s connection to U2’s Bono, Inhaler have long since carved their own identity. With Open Wide, they continue to refine a sound that is entirely theirs—a dynamic fusion of pop and indie rock, that showcases their evolution as musicians.
Originally set to perform at Brixton in 2023, for the release of Cuts & Bruises, the band had to postpone after the venue’s temporary closure following tragic incidents. But for fans, the wait was more than worth it. Inhaler’s debut at O2 Brixton was more than just a performance—it marked a pivotal chapter in their musical journey.
Already seasoned in captivating massive festival crowds, Inhaler seized this moment to prove they’re more than ready for the industry’s grandest stages. Their headline show at Dublin’s 3Arena in late 2023 and their electrifying set at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York—where much of Open Wide took shape—were pivotal milestones. Now, their triumphant night at O2 Brixton adds another defining chapter to their ascent, further reinforcing their status as one of the most enticing live acts today.
Few things divide people more than the sight of manic camping—the unwavering devotion of fans who brave the English weather, spending hours withstanding the windchill, clutching their coats outside, in hopes of securing the perfect spot. This week’s brutal downpour only brought out the difference between passionate dedication and outright madness, as gusts cut through layers and numb fingers clung to barricades. The question lingers: is it pure appreciation for the music, or something just a little unhinged?
The first support act of the night was The Guest List, Manchester-born band, who quickly gained traction after opening for acts, like Two Door Cinema Club, and The Wallows.
With a 7:00PM get-in and a 7:15 start time, fans scrambled past the queue mayhem to avoid missing the set. Their frontman’s vocals carried the smooth confidence of a young Alex Turner, lending a sharp and magnetic edge to their sound.
One of the most gripping moments came with Loose Tongue, a track that blends raw emotion with haunting lyricism. Exploring themes of guilt and desire, the song trilled throughout the venue, amplified by the band’s tight instrumentation and moody atmosphere. It’s a testament to their ability to craft songs that feel both intimate and immersive, establishing them as ones to watch.
Since releasing their self-titled debut EP last December, The Guest List have built a large social media following and show promise of becoming an enduring fixture in the Manchester music scene. Their momentum continues as they gear up to headline The Grace on the 5th of March, a performance that will no doubt further their status in the industry.
At 8 PM, Irish quintet Gurriers stormed the stage. The band, known for embracing “harsh sounds, but then a catchy chorus at the end” (as highlighted in a Rolling Stone feature), had the crowd in a frenzy, sparking multiple mosh pits with their blistering guitar solos and politically charged performance.
One of the band members took things a step further, diving into the pit mid-set, guitar in hand, getting low and riling up the energy through moshing. It was a wild moment that cemented their reputation for chaotic, high-energy performances. Their sound had strong echoes of Kneecap, the Belfast rap-punk group they opened for last year, proving that their raw, unfiltered energy is here to stay.
A standout moment came with Top of the Bill, one of the few tracks where frontman Dan Hoff fully leans into his native Dublin accent, channeling the talky vocal style reminiscent of Life Without Buildings, and Irish greats Fontaines D.C.
The song’s raw delivery and jagged intensity established the band’s place in the new wave of Irish music, a movement that feels vital right now. Like Fontaines, Gurriers aren’t afraid to make a statement—something their latest album’s title track makes clear, it’s a testament to their sharp commentary wrapped in ferocious noise.
With each track, Gurriers fired up the room, balancing chaos with melody; grit with groove. Their set was proof that Ireland’s current musical explosion isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Gurriers are set to perform as part of their ‘Come and See Tour’ on the 27th of March, at Scala, in London.
The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and Inhaler took their place under the spotlight. Elijah Hewson commanded the stage with his vocal presence, while Bobby Skeetz locked in on bass, weaving seamlessly with angelic backing vocals.
Josh Jenkinson stood to the left, ready to unleash his signature guitar shredding, while Ryan McMahon sat behind the kit, the heartbeat of the band, ready to drive the night forward.
For the true fans who have been there since the early days, the night opened with a notable change—gone was the jazz-infused melodic, Lujon, by the great Henry Mancini. In its place was the hearty, folksy-blues tune, Far From Any Road, by The Handsome Family.
Another striking shift came with My Honest Face kicking off the set rather than serving as the final sendoff. Once the ultimate closer, its new placement signaled something bigger; just like their latest album Open Wide, this is the beginning of a new era for Inhaler. They’re refining their sound, evolving with confidence, yet still holding onto that witty charm that makes them so uniquely enticing.
During Dublin in Ecstasy, Hewson came down to the barrier and picked a lucky culprit to sing the other half of the bridge—a thrilling moment for any fan. The crowd erupted as Inhaler stormed through their genre-blending setlist with an effortless demeanour. Fans, however, couldn’t help but notice the absence of many Cuts & Bruises tracks. While the focus was understandably on Open Wide, some in the audience had hoped to hear more from their previous record, an album that had affirmed their reputation as one of indie rock’s brightest rising acts.
Still, the new material more than made up for it. Their 2019 breakout hit, It Won’t Always Be Like This, retained its explosive energy; bodies jumping and hands in the air. Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah) dialed up the ’80s glam and disco influences, turning Brixton into a full-blown dancefloor, while X-Ray leaned into folk-tinged indie rock, proving just how comfortable they’ve become experimenting with different styles. That comfort, in part, stems from their decision to work with Kid Harpoon, the acclaimed producer behind Harry Styles’s Album of the Year success, Harry’s House. The collaboration brought a fresh dynamic to their songwriting, allowing them to craft bigger, more expansive soundscapes.
Reflecting on the creative process, the band told Variety, “[they] wrote Open Wide at home in Dublin after a long stretch of touring,” calling it “the nicest experience of writing that [they’ve] had since [they] were teenagers.” That ease is evident in the album’s effortless blend of sounds. “Just because something has guitars over it doesn’t exclude it from being pop,” Hewson added, and nowhere was that more apparent than in Still Young, a track that carries echoes of past pop heroes.
By the time they reached Your House, the connection between the band and the audience was undeniable. The lush synths and gospel-tinged chorus brought an unexpected but welcome shift in sound, closing the night on a euphoric high. This was Inhaler at their peak—fully in command of their music, their stage presence, and their future.
This was truly a performance that solidified their place among the best live acts of their generation. If this is where they’re at now, the only way from here is up.
Inhaler is about to embark on a ruthless world tour in 2025, with one of the standout shows being at St. Anne’s Park, on the 30th May, in Dublin, their hometown—marking a milestone in Inhaler’s already stellar journey.
Photography Copyright 2025 © Lewis Evans for INHALER. All rights reserved.
Text Copyright 2025 © Emeli Meagher/ADRENALINE Magazine. All rights reserved.
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