Anarchy holds a guitar and plays for Cheap Dirty Horse
The band that started this whole site essentially . Although credit where credit is due, I’m sure the ADHD played a vital role too.
Cheap Dirty Horse present as a radically new format of musicians. We are seeing people that look like us doing what we only dreamed of. CDH encapsulate what it means to be a young person, modern day. Their songs range from political commentary on the upper class, the working class experience and countless anthems for the unheard. CDH have managed to forge a community of like minded individuals who have been able to watch their platform soar over recent months. When I attended their August gig at Palm Street Hackney, I felt immediately welcomed. More than that, I felt safe. In my previous post I touch on an emotive encounter I had that night. The support I have received since has been overwhelming so I feel it is only right I do the entire event justice.
As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted by two individuals sat at a table. In front of them was a note book. The open page was decorated with scrawled doodles. A blonde buzz cut smiled at me and I immediately faltered. This band that I listened to in my bedroom and that I welcomed to my feed had materialised in front of me. Star struck and awe consumed, I made my way into the venue. Not two steps in and I’m greeted again by the smiling blonde buzz cut (Fin the lead singer of the band). A second chance for me to redeem myself. I had been recognised as a fan. Embarrassed and flustered I attempted to compose myself. CDH have mastered many things. Appearing like a friend you might make in a pub is definitely one of them. Casual, humble and real. Fin spoke to me about the tour as casually as you would to a peer. The line between band and audience was beautifully blurred. Instead, a mesh of the outcasts was formed. The crowd and bands moved as one. Cheering for not only each other but for sheer enjoyment. Experiencing this space that we had created, together. The only comparison I can think of would be watching your friends perform in your parent's basement. An annex of freedom to express and present as you wish. This atmosphere seems to be mastered by CDH, blowing other bands of similar calibre out of the water. If you want an experience, a memory and a community; get yourself to the next CDH gig.
This folk-punk band from Nottingham has boasted a speedy rise in recognition, largely attributed to social media platforms Tiktok and Instagram. Comedic promotional videos posted to their account were used to advertise the tour. I would argue this was the perfect medium to best reach their fan base. Following their hit song “On the rob”, they have amassed an acceleration in growth across their social media channels. Appealing to young people by shouting through their phones directly has arguably sky rocketed their platform. Increasing reach and audience, they were able to go on their first tour. CDH sold their album “CDH goes on tour” and merch in order to fund this project. This transparenccy is a reminder of the punk ethos. Ticket sales were flexible and accessible, cementing their reputation as a "band of the people for the people". The band’s core beliefs were apparent throughout the process of creating the tour as well as on it. All members appeared to be in the thick of it all. They were the performers, the admission staff, the promoters and every single other behind the scenes job. This even occasionally included supplying their supporters with cigarettes in the smoking area on request. On the night I saw them which was towards the end of their tour, they supported their fellow bands tirelessly, even making sure they knew when they were up. Passion and enthusiasm before during and after their set never faltered or dipped. CDH have the stage presence of the iconic punk bands we reminisce over.
As the other bands performed, I frequently saw CDH members rallying the crowd, singing along and flailing their arms. Mid way through their set; a particularly beautiful moment of love and solidarity took place when band member Amy took to centre stage. Guitarist Eloise sat down amongst the crowd whom all sat cross legged and sung along to the only slow melody of the evening. This romantic tune of self acceptance bestowed a message of hope and love unto the crowd. A ballad of not necessarily self love yet, but of learning to simply accept oneself. A message like this seems sparse in our current media which amplifies only extremes.
The camaraderie displayed is another reason I believe CDH have the capacity to really take the punk scene by storm. Endorsing values of acceptance and defiance of all that is unjust in society, CDH take all traditional punk values and throw them in your face. It's impossible to look away. They are unapologetically authentic to the new age society of queer and passionate youth that want to turn the world on its head. I think they should be proud to have a fanbase that embody that.
If you're looking for some songs to get to know this power group better, my personal recommendations include:
G for Gendetta - This song describes some of the turmoil a lot of us can relate to experiencing as children, struggling to fit in and the pressure of conformity
The fredo song - (It's very possible I have misremembered the name of this song but I cannot seem to find it on streaming platforms to verify). This song has always crept into my mind and heart when I am taking existence too seriously. A personal favourite, it reminds me to relish in small home comforts.
On the rob - A catchy tune of rebellion and economic disparity
- Honourable mention to Dead Billionaires and Your Dad
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