After heaps of success with their debut album ‘It won’t always be like this’ it’s no surprise that Inhaler had fans desperate for another album and to say they met our expectations would be an understatement. 11 enthralling tracks make up ‘Cuts and Bruises.’

Mesmerising guitar riffs that make you feel like your floating assemble the stand-out track “Dublin in Ecstasy’. You can really hear the sadness and reflection in the lyrics as well as in Eli’s powerful vocals making it my favourite song on the album.

The album has a few feel-good, positive tracks such as ‘These are the days.’ With optimistic lyrics riddled throughout like “I Think We’re Gonna Be Okay” it’s a perfect, light-hearted track to blast and scream along to with your mates. Similarly, ‘Valentine’ is a charming love song. Again, the use of ethereal guitar riffs in between the chilled verses makes this track heavenly. Furthermore, the poetic lyrics emphasise the feeling of falling in love impeccably.

Despite this the whole album isn’t so joyous with a few downbeat songs in the mix. A lowkey beat and use of piano with sorrowful and desolate lyrics in ‘If Your Gonna Break My Heart’ had me almost tearing up even from the first listen. The end bridge in particular “nothing really means as much as you do” is sung so raw with and genuine with abundant emotion. Obviously, a very sentimental, heartfelt track.

Another harrowing track ‘The things I do’ opens sounding almost haunting and intense with relaxed music and a simple “DU DU DU” sung on a loop. The song is about regret and thinking back to mistakes. Inhaler are incredible at making their music reflect their lyrics and, in this case, the spine-chilling music highlights that feeling of loneliness and shame after doing something you wish you hadn’t.

Overall a visionary and beautifully experimental album that I would without a doubt recommend. Whether you’re a fan of the upbeat, carefree vibe or you’re wanting more mellow music, there’s truly something in there for everyone.