Inhaler @ Cyprus Avenue, Cork 25/09/2019

2019 has seen Inhaler skyrocket to success, gaining attention far and wide. But there’s no place like home as the Dublin outfit kicked off their UK and Irish tour in Cyprus Avenue.

On a dreary Wednesday night Inhaler returned to Cork to liven things up and shake off the midweek blues. Joining them on the road for this tour are London synth-pop band, Apre.

Filled with electro 80’s pop vibes, the London band put on a riveting set. Frontman, Charlie Brown bounced around the stage, soaking up every moment as he bellowed out each song with passion.

Songs like ‘Heaven’ and ‘Without Your Love’ grabbed the attention of an already packed Cyprus Avenue. Soaring melodies at one moment, then transcending into ambient lo-fi sounds, created a nice flow. The band showcased their diversity and it paid off for their first visit to Cork.

Along with sharp witty banter amongst each other and an enthusiastic crowd lapping up every beat, synth, chord and vocal put out, it wouldn’t be a shock if Apre made a return to the Rebel County.

Following up from an eclectic start, Inhaler took to the stage with a swagger in their step as they appeared one by one, taking up their positions. Without even picking up their instruments, the diverse crowd were already in a state of euphoria just from being in their presence.

As they finished the opening song ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’, you got the sense that there was truth in that. We won’t always get to see them in venues like Cyprus Avenue or Whelan’s as it’s just a matter of time before they move up into arenas.

Throughout the set, Inhaler played with a level of confidence you’d expect from veterans. Robert Keating loomed large over the crowd as he spat out his bass lines. He eventually jumped into the crowd at the end of the night for an emphatic finalé. Meanwhile, frontman Elijah Hewson erratically moved around the stage, making it unpredictable as to what he might do next.

Their audience were gripped tightly in their hands, whether it was when they played the latest release ‘Ice Cream Sundae’ to seduce the crowd into dancing or creating a frenzy with the enormous ‘My Honest Face’.

While giving an airing to songs that haven’t been released yet, where some bands can lose an audience during live shows, their charm and talent kept everyone rooted to the spot.

The band played in Cork earlier this year to roughly about 20 people in the same venue. It showed how far they have come in just a matter of months. They returned to Cyprus Avenue for a midweek gig and filled it out before sending them away wanting more.

Inhaler continue their Irish leg of the tour with a sold out show in Galway’s Roisin Dubh tonight. On Saturday they return to Dublin for a sold out hometown show in Whelan’s.

All pictures of Inhaler were taken by Leanne Gabriel. Check out more of her work over on her Instagram.

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