Words: Alfie Goldspink
One of the most thrilling new acts to emerge from the UK are back with a new single. ‘Afraid’ marks the latest release from the Northern Irish lads as they gear up for a big 2025.
Hailing from Belfast, Chalk burst onto the scene in 2022 after forming in lockdown, quickly amassing a cult following with their unique blend of post-punk and techno. Following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen, Enola Gay, Chalk continue to push the boundaries of sound, elevating guitar music to heights not yet heard before. Their distinctive industrial style kicks off with the ambiance of an empty construction site, and as the track progresses, it layers in a cacophony of sounds, transforming elements typically found in rave culture into a cohesive
band experience. Their musical ingenuity is second to none in the post-punk realm, and while it’s difficult to pin down their genre, it remains undeniably fresh and innovative.
Their latest offering ‘Afraid’, maintains this intensity, creating an immediate sense of panic as the track unfolds. Layers of sound build up to a climactic drop featuring roaring guitars and pulsating drums, promising an explosive experience in a live setting. True to Chalk’s style, the vocals adopt a quick spoken word delivery, similar to that of ‘Born Slippy’ by Underworld. This serves as a vehicle to the song’s second drop. The drums then turn to open hi-hats, and the spoken words escalate into shouts as the track comes to an abrupt close, ending the latest electrifying instalment of Chalk’s journey.
These guys should be at the top of your gig bucket list for 2025 as they continue to rise through the ranks with each release unlocking fresh dimensions of their craftsmanship.
In summary, Chalk are the latest Belfast sensation making waves across Europe and beyond, and they show no signs of slowing down with a debut album on the horizon. Don’t miss their captivating live performance on KEXP!
Rockstars HQ 
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