INHALER IN WASHINGTON DC
BY KATHERINE CHUNG (PHOTOS BY LEWIS EVANS)For a music journalist, discovering new music is always a blast. Some artists have already been featured in major publications, released extensive discographies, and cultivated large fan bases, while others are just beginning to gain traction. Irish alternative pop rock indie band Inhaler firmly belongs to the former group. On March 7, 2025, the Dublin quartet delivered a dance-heavy, electrifying performance at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
Elijah Hewson, Robert Keating, Josh Jenkinson, and Ryan McMahon have been close friends since their school days. Over the years, they bonded over music and performed in small venues and bars for a handful of audience members. After opening for major acts like Arctic Monkeys, Pearl Jam, Harry Styles, and Kings of Leon, the group is now headlining another one of their successful tours, with Been Stellar and Benches joining as supporting acts.
The hype for the group began hours before the doors to the venue opened. Many teenagers on the D.C Metro redline were wearing Inhaler merchandise or I Heart Irish boys shirts and walking down the pathway towards the Wharf. By 5:00 pm, more than a dozen devoted fans and parents endured the chilly wind outside the venue, eager to secure a prime spot near the barricade or as close to the stage as possible. Despite the spacious floor and general admission area at The Anthem, they were not willing to pass up the chance to snag a guitar pick or dive into the energy of the pit to jump alongside the audience.
Inhaler kicked off their set with "My Honest Face," the second track from their debut album — and a recent staple on my Apple Music Replay. This high-energy anthem is the perfect way to ignite a party, blending powerful instrumentals with intense vocals. It offers a cathartic release for anyone feeling overwhelmed by work, school, or daily stress. With its universal appeal, the track resonates strongly with both teenagers and adults, aligning perfectly with Inhaler's core audience
One standout feature of the show was the prominent use of strobe lights. At the start of the show, the strobe lights flashed in a mix of warm and cool hues: green, blue, and yellow—each spotlighting one of the four members of the group. About five songs in, the atmosphere shifted from the chill, sway-worthy tracks to upbeat disco party anthems.
The lights turned a stunning violet and bright white, transporting the audience to a whole different era. Elijah, the band's frontman, urged the crowd to jump. In response, everyone raised their hands and swayed them in sync, as if they were all anticipating what would happen next. Half an hour before the show ended, just before they played “Dublin in Ecstasy,” a fan favorite, Inhaler’s 'bat signal', the Irish flag—shone brightly. On the left side of the stage, a green light was illuminated, followed by a white light in the center, and on the far right, a vivid neon orange background lit up the entire stage. This was the moment that older fans stood up out of their seats, walked over to the floor, and screamed the iconic chorus back to the group on stage.
As the final notes rang out, the energy in the room was electric—like a college Greek life party in full swing. Love, youth, and optimism filled the air, offering a brief escape from the weight of reality in Washington, D.C.
"D.C., that was our favorite show of this run. Much love and thanks always," Inhaler shared on Instagram after the show.
Inhaler continues their North American tour—tickets are available on their website.
