“It’s a place we almost took for granted growing up, but it hasn’t changed so it’s getting its flowers now”
Frontman Lewis Pike from The Cheap Thrills(Image: The Cheap Thrills)
Liverpool rock band The Cheap Thrills have released their new track, ‘Walton Vale’, and it’s easy to see why the area is their muse. After forging a path in the industry with a distinct sound and the city behind them, there will never be a better place than home.
The Walton-based band, composed of Lewis Pike, Anton Eager, Terry Eaves, and Callum Fitzpatrick, has gone from strength to strength, performing at some of the UK’s top festivals, including Liverpool’s On The Waterfront and Glastonbury.
Their indie-rock stylings are undercut with melodic synth sounds that create an enthusiastic, anthemic discography full of youthful energy rather than angsty grunge. The new track is a feel-good, dance-orientated release that almost steers into alternative pop territory.
Despite its infectious sound, the lyrics are somber, detailing a man’s battle with his inner demons. The lyrics read: “Riddled with addiction, blurred double vision. Nail-bitten fingers, nervous dispositions. He screams and slaps himself. An outward expression of the feeling inside. And no, it’s not good for his health. But I was under the impression he had something to hide.
“Take him down Walton Vale needs a break, needs a drink and he’s always on the ale but did anyone think if the gamble landed this time it’s probably time to leave.”
The Cheap Thrills(Image: The Cheap Thrills)
With the Vale now immortalised as a symbol of hope, there’s plenty for the street to brag about. Thousands pass through the area every year for the Grand National, but the quirky bars, old school pubs and family restaurants have people staying for good.
The music video stars Walton Vale talents such as poet Joseph Roberts and actor Kayleigh Coleman, appearing alongside residents and street cleaners in locally famous locations such as The Windsor and Chicken Barbecue to convenience stores and banks.
Vocal and proud of their roots, the band told the ECHO: “We loved growing up on the Vale. I think that speaks for itself with the last few bits of content we put out. The people are grounded, salt of the earth, hilarious and caring. It’s a place we almost took for granted growing up, but it hasn’t changed so it’s getting its flowers now we’re a bit older.”
The Cheap Thrills leave the area periodically but only to perform in front of their tens of thousands of adoring fans that they’ve cultivated over the years. The new track proves they haven’t abandoned their roots for supposedly greener pastures.
A short documentary was released honouring the Vale’s people(Image: The Cheap Thrills)
Anton said: “The Cheap Thrills have always been about progress. We don’t see ourselves as the finished article or achieving all the things we want to just yet so it’s important to remember it’s a process and not get ahead of ourselves, family, friends and a sense of community have always been a part of this band. It’s not going to change as it’s just who we are.”
At times they find themselves bumping shoulders with industry heavyweights unfamiliar with the city’s personality, they reassure readers they’ve had “a few anti a few anti-Scouse gripes over the years but nothing we can’t handle.”
The people of Walton Vale were highlighted in the documentary short(Image: The Cheap Thrills)
The heart in their new track has been felt from locals and those from afar, amplified by the accompanying short documentary celebrating life on the Vale. Anton added: “The reaction to the new track has been overwhelming to be honest.
“We knew we had created some lovely bits of music and video surrounding it. But it’s lovely to see people connecting with it. We knew the Vale would love it but the reaction from the rest of the city and further out has been lovely.
“The small video documentary we put out giving some context for the song blew up on social media and it felt good to shine the spotlight on the places, people and businesses in our area.”
Frontman Lewis Pike from The Cheap Thrills(Image: The Cheap Thrills)
Ditching the guitar strings for cold drinks, the lads aren’t afraid to show their faces despite their popularity. The Vale is packed with venues but there’s one that can’t be beat. The band said: “The Windsor is our local and always has been but you’ve got loads of boss community minded bars like Joey Orrs, The Vale Bar, Terra Preta to name a few.”
The Cheap Thrills are performing tonight, November 22, at The Dome in Liverpool’s Grand Central Hall, but tickets are entirely sold out. There will be plenty of opportunities to see the band perform next year so be sure to purchase your tickets now before they’re snapped up.