The Cheap Thrills have announced their highly anticipated debut album, Keep Cheap, scheduled for release on 18 September 2026. Packed with huge indie anthems, the uplifting 13-track record celebrates the band's Liverpool roots while delivering poignant, universal messages. Tracking their journey from humble teenage beginnings to becoming one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the Merseyside city in recent times, the album is currently available for pre-order.
Frontman Lewis Pike explained that the band has used "Keep Cheap" as a motto for years to reflect their commitment to doing things on their own terms. Lyrically, the album balances vulnerability and sincerity with Scouse wit, combining brand-new material alongside established favorites. Opening track "Hairs" sets the tone with synth-laden keys and pensive energy, while "Looking" delivers swaggering, politically charged indie poetry reminiscent of Jamie T. Meanwhile, "Run" combines cheery jangled riffs with darker themes of anxiety, sitting stylistically between The Libertines and Bloc Party.
The record also touches on introspection through tracks like "Air Breathing Mammals" and "Electric Fences," alongside hit singles that have already racked up multimillion streams. Among these are "Codependence," which famously soundtracked Liverpool FC’s European kit campaign, and "Walton Vale," an empathetic homage to the street that birthed the band while addressing the complex realities of addiction.
To celebrate the launch, The Cheap Thrills will undertake an extensive touring schedule across the UK. Ahead of the release, the group will perform their largest sold-out hometown show to 2,000 fans at Liverpool’s Mountford Hall on 1 August, alongside summer festival appearances at Y Not and 110 Above. In September, the band will embark on a series of intimate instore live dates across Liverpool, Leeds, London, and Bury. A full UK headline tour follows throughout October, with multiple dates in cities such as London, Glasgow, Nottingham, and Leeds already completely sold out.
