Inhaler ignites Mtelus with a high-energy performance on their Open Wide World tour

In the dead of winter, at a bone-chilling -20 degrees on Sunday night, an army of dedicated fans defied the cold to pack Mtelus, awaiting the performance of Dublin's very own Inhaler for their second headline show in Montreal promoting their third studio album Open Wide. Wrapped in layers upon layers, the fans' unwavering passion transformed the harsh weather into a palpable,  electrifying celebration of live music. 

The crowd erupted, immediately matching the band’s intensity, shouting back every word as the quartet took over gripping their instruments like they had something to prove. There was no slow build—it was full throttle from the start. 

The band opened with “My Honest Face”, immediately drawing the audience in with energetic riffs and a confident vocal delivery that set the tone for the night. The transition into Eddie in the  Darkness was seamless, with every instrument locking into a tight rhythm that amplified the raw intensity on stage.

"Where the f*ck did all this energy come from?!" Inhaler's frontman, Elijah Hewson, asks the crowd within the first half of their set. The back-and-forth between the band and the audience makes their live shows feel more like a shared experience than a one-sided performance. The crowd was locked in from the start, singing every word and matching the vibrant energy, which only seemed to push them further. 

The band fed off that energy, delivering a performance that felt raw but controlled, tight but never rigid. The atmosphere shifted effortlessly between high-energy moments, like the pulsing  “When It Breaks”, and more introspective tracks like “A Question of You”, where the room seemed to breathe with the band. 

As the night moved into “Little Things” there was a noticeable shift—moments of intimacy emerged, giving the crowd a brief respite before the energy ramped up again with “Totally” and “The Charms”. The band’s performance during “Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House)” — supported by a captivating bass, thanks to Bobby Skeetz — and X-Ray was particularly impressive; the intricate guitar work by guitarist Josh Jenkinson and pulsing drum beats effortlessly sounded by Ryan  McMahon created an almost hypnotic effect that had the audience completely captivated. 

A brief, soulful interlude in “My King Will Be Kind” showcased a softer side, allowing the band to connect on a deeper level before launching into the crowd favourite “Dublin in Ecstasy”. The crowd knew what was coming from the first few notes, their cheers swelling before the song even kicked in. The track’s euphoric build and release felt tailor-made for a live show, and the sheer volume of voices singing along proved just how much the band’s older material still resonates with their fans. 

That carried over into “Love Will Get You There”, a song that felt lighter on its feet but no less impactful, its melody rippling through the venue like a wave. The later part of the set, featuring “Billy  (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” and “Just to Keep You Satisfied”, was a masterclass in building momentum,  culminating in the uplifting energy of “Cheer Up Baby” as the main set came to a close. 

The encore supported the high level of performance with “Open Wide” sparking immediate excitement, followed by the reflective “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” which added an emotional depth to the night. The final number, “Your House,” served as a perfect farewell, leaving fans with a lasting impression of a night filled with both precision and heart.

The band's chemistry was evident throughout the performance. In addition to showcasing their musical range, their smooth transitions between bursts of intensity and slower, more contemplative periods produced an exciting and intimate shared experience. Every note and lyric was delivered with a sense of purpose, making it clear that Inhaler is a band worthy of taking over your Sunday night.