Dublin-quartet Inhaler have released their new single ‘When It Breaks’, on Polydor Records.’When It Breaks’ was recorded over the summer and its lyrical themes chime with the unease and disquiet of the world in 2020. Inhaler are Robert Keating, Josh Jenkinson, Elijah Hewson and Ryan McMahon. The four-piece formed whilst still at school in Dublin.They have amassed a diehard fanbase despite only releasing a handful of singles. Their tracks have been streamed over 35 million times globally. They sold over 10,000 tickets on their last tour and played to sold-out crowds across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Inhaler recently completed work on their highly-anticipated debut album, expected for release early next year.
Shrouded in intoxicating, hypnotic soundscapes, sharp guitars and simmering bass lines, ‘When It Breaks’ is another exhilarating yet haunting number from Inhaler. The track pivots around a buzzing swarm on guitars while the bass line pulses with intensity creating the tracks darker luring underbelly. The song is layered and crafted superbly with spiraling synths fleshing out the track’s dizzying soundscape while the relentless drums pound with vigor for the explosive chorus and tease for the luring verses.
The tracks metronomic rhythm creates an agitated itch and suspense for the verses before an anthemic indie release for the chorus. This jittery anxious atmosphere is contrasted wonderfully by the hopeful-toned melody and Hewson’s emotive vocals. The sharp shrills and piercing laments on guitar have an 80’s shimmering drama to them while the clapping feature and spiraling backdrop surge with heart racing passion. ‘When It Breaks’ is another well crafted number with well placed lyrics and dynamic musicianship from Inhaler.
Speaking about how ‘When It Breaks’ came together, the band said: “We wrote ‘When It Breaks’ in the last couple of months. Over lockdown we were floating around the instrumental demo, it was dark but also pretty hopeful sounding. When we went back to the studio over the summer and really got to put our heads together again, we felt like we had to write something about what was going on and how we felt about it. Coming off tour into lockdown was a huge adjustment for us after we had just got used to life on the tour. At first, it was a welcome break but pretty soon we were dying to get back to any festival or any gig where we could get our fix! The lyrics and the music communicate the anxiousness of how we were all feeling and still are now a couple months later. It’s definitely the most politically-driven song we’ve released so far. It’s our interpretation of this strange and imperfect world we’ve come to live in. Things are gonna change and we are gonna be there when they do.”
Stream ‘When It Breaks’ below
Author : Danu
