Live Review: Inhaler - Kentish Town Forum, London 06/10/2021
Inhaler’s London stop on their celebratory ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ tour brought frenzy to Kentish Town Forum.
The chart-topping album was recorded at Narcissus Studio in London, and the band raced through nearly all of it - alongside some extra tracks - in Wednesday’s set.
Opening act Dylan Fraser and his band put on a strong show for a first proper gig in the capital. ‘I’d Rather Be Here’ was a particular highlight.
Wet Leg’s set was well received too. The much-hyped five-piece brought a combination of Sonic Youth styling, great harmonies, and a wall of noise. Debut single ‘Chaise Longue’ closed the set that suggested they’re headed for the big time too.
But everyone - myself, the young, the old, and Davina McCall - packed out the beautiful Forum for Inhaler, who provided an hour packed with noise and unbridled celebration.
Kickstarting with the album’s title track, the crowd instantly jumped, swayed, and instigated a mosh pit.
Non-album tracks ‘We Have To Move On’ and ‘Falling In’ quickly followed, keeping the tempo high. The latter allowed singer Elijah Hewson to briefly introduce bassist Robert Keating.
Elijah introduced ‘Ice Cream Sundae’ as the first track they recorded in London, before performing the rousing rock track.
‘When It Breaks’ causes yet more frenzy, as the four-piece band - plus Louis Lambert on keys - prove themselves to be an indie rock force to be reckoned with, with an emphasis on their music. Elijah largely played guitar and sang - one of his few movements away from the guitar being when he punched the air at the end of ‘My King Will Be Kind’.
Even with only one album under their belts, Inhaler asserted themselves as a comprehensive vehicle, to be placed on par with festival headliners Catfish & The Bottlemen, or The 1975, who are channelled in Inhaler’s arena-ready performance of album track ‘Totally’. When Elijah said “This might be the biggest show we’ve ever played”, the addendum ‘so far’ was implied.
It’s not all chaos; there’s room for slow moments as well, such as on ‘Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House)’.
Closer ‘My Honest Face’ was a perfect wrap up, a consolidation of the chaos and the frenzy they’d brought throughout the set. Bassist Robert even jumped down to play along the front row. At the end of the performance, the band held aloft an Irish flag that said “Inhaler World Domination”. It’s a fan sign; it could also be a mission statement.
On leaving the show, I overheard someone explaining to their friend how to spell “mosh pit”. I bet there’ll be many more moments like that for years to come.
Words by Samuel Draper