It feels like bias will spill everywhere and lines overlapping writing about The Cheap Thrills and being a Scouser but, the music without a doubt backs it up and the impact in the Liverpool music scene can’t be understated.
Hailing from Walton Vale, the fourpiece have always worn who they are like a badge of honour. Building their reputation and fan base with their immense live shows. This put them on the radar of Steve Lamacq who played ‘Reborn ’on BBC 6Music and the Scouse national anthem ‘Codependence’ being the staple of the Liverpool European kit campaign.
Recently, The Cheap Thrills have packed out their biggest hometown show playing to over 2,000 fans at Mountford Hall as well as filling tents at Glastonbury and other festivals.
Energy infused guitar riff kicks off ‘Hairs’ and runs throughout. Lyrics that everyone can relate to with “Gifts you unknowingly leave me, oh they serve as reminders to tease me.” shows that everyone has a relationship that they can’t or won’t put down. Drums beat away acting as the guide.
Semi-biographical to a few ‘Walton Vale’ paints a picture of the one man everyone knows down the pub who never leaves and pisses his money up the wall. The harmonies between vocals and backing act like Oliver’s timer and he’s not got long left.
‘Looking’ takes a different approach to a politically charged anthem, rather than just moaning about the situation, but just get back at it and better yourself. The backbone is the rhythm section with bass and drums creating a safety which the lyrics evoke. Female backing vocals create a contrast between the spoken words of Lewis Pike’s lyrics. Everyone wants to get out, but no one wants to leave.
Speed translates from the strings of the guitar with vigour on ‘Run’. The idea of craving change and breaking the cycle is evident. The drumbeat ticks along like “the feeling you’ve been played is taking out the pin from the grenade.” If Pete Doherty were on the writing credits I wouldn’t be surprised with the gritty nature being packaged by a jangly guitar.
Pummelled guitar strings unfold ‘Reborn’, whilst Zak Starkey like drumming booms throughout. Lyrics that cut and sting “I’ve disliked you for years” and follows the theme of getting away and changing. The bass keeps the rest in check and holds it together.
Rustic beginnings before the rest comes in ‘Air Breathing Mammals’ verbalizes the time every teen pick someone to look up to who ultimacy turns out to be a bit of a gobshite. Words that belong from ‘What People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not’ with the wit and poise evident.
Acoustic and turmoil laden ‘Take Things Back’ is gut wrenching from start to finish with lyrics like “don’t understand the meaning of your songs, but I still sing along” symbolising how you can try but never seem to get it right. Female backing vocals with the vocals gives the feeling of a relationship trudging along.
All stand for the national anthem, ‘Codependence’ is euphoric and will forever get the crowd bouncing and singing along. Massive synths that give tinnitus that you’re thankful for. The breakdown with just vocals and guitars gives you a breather before your slammed back into the crowd.
Plucked strings draw in the vocals, whilst the chorus sticks in the mind from first listen on ‘Electric Fences’. Beat sticks through with military precision that the bass is only able to penetrate. Costello Music would crave this rammer.
As the bell rings, ‘Last Orders’ is trying to find anyone’s bed to fill the void of not having that “Sunday type of love”. The drums are just getting you ready for the headache in the morning and the guitars reverb kickstarts the anxiety you’re going to feel.
‘Something For Nothing’ has perky guitars that distil hope for the protagonist, and the rhythm section is bouncing throughout. The breakdown in the middle acts as the guiding light towards the best scenario for the protagonist.
Drumming straight from The Walkman, ’Paranoia’ puts into words that feeling when you’re trying to impress someone and not knowing how it’s going. The guitars cut through with an animated feel.
As sugar ridden as the drink, ‘Calypso Blue’ relies on the sweetness of desiring a relationship to work out. The triumphant synth makes all the uncertainty worth it. The drums and bass keep the tempo and guitar flounces about. The acoustic verse winds down and bring the album to its conclusion.
‘Keep Cheap’ shows the effort the lads have put in over the years has finally paid off with their triumphant debut. Jangly guitars and lyrics that bring memories to life fill the album whilst the bass and drums can’t seem to do anything wrong. Every tune embodies the live sound in an immaculate fashion. Songs like ‘Reborn’ and ‘Codependence’ sound as fresh and inspiring even if they’ve been out for a few years. The more sombre moments hit hard, and you can’t catch your breath as its straight into a pace you can’t keep up with. Influences are throughout but it’s uniquely theirs. A debut that will never fail as long as Liverpool is considered.
The Cheap Thrills: Keep Cheap – Out 18 September 2026
