By Daniel Fernadez, photos by Lewis Evans
St. Petersburg’s Jannus Live provided the backdrop for a night of indie rock on March 15, 2025. Headlined by the Dublin-based band Inhaler and supported by Southern California’s rising stars, Benches, the concert was a testament to the vibrant spirit and enthusiasm of the contemporary music scene. Inhaler, who already boasts a strong following among young adults, displayed their penchant for attracting fans whose ages spanned decades on Saturday Night. Inhaler’s tunes, influenced by the echoed voice of early 2000’s Indie bands such as The Killers and The Strokes while sprinkling in Pop Rock motifs brings the concertgoer a true “All Ages” experience.
The night kicked off with Benches, whose energetic set influenced by late 90’s Brit Pop and Early 2000’s basement Indie warmed up the crowd with driving beats, an energetic presence and undeniably catchy hooks. Their dynamic performance laid a solid foundation for the evening, lighting the wick on the fireworks to come with Inhaler.
After multiple instances of the rambunctious crowd losing their collective minds as the techs performed sound check, Inhaler decisively took to the stage amidst screams from the charged-up crowd. Launching into “Open Wide,” the title track from their freshly released album, the band effortlessly commandeered the audience’s attention. New jams seamlessly interwove with their previous hits, illustrating Inhaler’s expansive catalog for a band that just officially hit the scene in 2018.
Frontman Eli Hewson (son of U2 ‘s legendary vocalist Bono) commanded the stage with charismatic flair, his distinctive vocals powering through tracks including “When It Breaks” and “Totally.” Each guitar riff and drumbeat reverberated powerfully throughout the outdoor venue, creating a sonic experience that echoed through the warm Florida evening.
Inhaler showed a deep appreciation for their fans, who eagerly reciprocated, singing along to every word of familiar tunes like “Cheer Up Baby” and their first album’s title track, “It Won’t Always Be Like This.” The crowd fed off the energy, their enthusiasm tangible during favorites “Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House)” and the stirring “My King Will Be Kind.”
The setlist was a well-mixed blend of nostalgia and innovation, with a strong presence of tracks from albums “Open Wide” while still managing to revisit their earlier works from “It Won’t Always Be Like This” and “Cuts & Bruises.” Notably, “Eddie in the Darkness” and “Love Will Get You There” showcased the band’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant anthems that teem with both intensity and intimacy.
As the set concluded, the roaring cheers invited an encore, and Inhaler did not disappoint. Their performance of “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” had the entire venue bouncing with their hands up in the air, followed by the impassioned “Your House.” The evening wrapped up with the intoxicating “My Honest Face,” leaving the audience in a state of euphoric satisfaction.
Inhaler’s performance at Jannus Live proved that Eli and his band mates, Rober Keating, Ryan McMahon and Josh Jenkinson have forged their own unique identity by reimagining classic Indie sounds with their own twist and tailoring them for a new generation. The synergy between the band and their fans created an atmosphere of genuine connection, making it an unforgettable evening for all in attendance. It’s clear that with each passing year, Inhaler only sharpens their edge, this most certainly is a group to watch out for.
