Dublin-based band Inhaler releases “A Question of You,” their third single off their upcoming album Open Wide set to be released February 7th. The track’s upbeat tempo and tone is a new sound for the band, which is as expected considering the last two singles of the upcoming album have been new territory sonically. There’s an underlying pop sound to their usual indie rock/alternative discography.
When looking into the musical composition, it’s reminiscent of the pop-rock sound that was popular in the 80s and 90s. There is a heavy percussion-based melody with jingles throughout the track that give it that groovy upbeat love song sound. The electric guitar melody also stands out throughout the song, as it opens the track leading you into the lyrics. The song carries this whimsical tone bordering the genres of psychedelic rock, similar to the previous single off the album, “Open Wide.”
Lyrically, the song is raw in its confessional tone. It’s a love song while still being reflective upon one’s character. The song compels you to ask yourself the question of what you need, with the answer being this one other person. The lyrics go “I think I figured you out / Yеah, I found out / Took me a while to find / The answer to the question.” The lyrics almost seem to be an inner monologue, leading you through the narrator figuring things out and declaring that the answer to the question was this other person.
This type of thoughtful lyricism mixed with the upbeat melody sets the tone for the upcoming album. While the sound might not be what fans are expecting, it is refreshing to hear the reminiscence of the earlier indie rock/pop rock influences that paved the way. With the new single, the band is solidifying their artistic range and versatility within the rock scene, definitely leaving room to be excited for what’s to come. Following the album release, the band will be jumping right into their North American leg of tour starting February 28th.