Words: Ruby Corrigan
Enigmatic Belfast based post-punk and electronic music hybrid band Chalk have released their brand new EP ‘Conditions III’ today, and it has the possibility to completely rebrand the face of the current music scene.
Following an acclaimed series of shows supporting fellow post-punk Band IDLES, it is undeniable that the band has been catapulted to international stardom, and the proof is really in the pudding. The EP, consisting of four songs, is a true reflection of Chalk’s potential, displaying their fresh and bold take on blending two genres that some would never have thought would intermingle. Speaking on the release, the trio commented that ‘ ‘Conditions III’ is the last instalment of the Conditions Trilogy. These 4 songs represent the end of a chapter in our musical journey as Chalk. We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved on this release as it proved to be the most challenging one for us. We hope these tracks can strengthen the connection between us and all of you even further.’
The opening track, ‘Leipzig 87’ is a perfect introduction to both the band and what they stand for. Full of thumping rhythms, an experimental usage of synth instrumentation, this song can only be described as atmospheric. A particular moment I love in this song is how it ends with a continuous tapping sound like a marble doping down the stairs, as it flows perfectly into the next song, the immensely popular ‘Afraid’, which was released a few weeks ago and has already garnered over 90,000 streams on spotify.
My personal favourite in the collection has to be the final track ‘Pool Scene’. Arguably the most lyrical of all four songs, the track opens relatively tranquilly with a repetitive synth riff and gorgeously gloomy vocals from lead singer Ross Cullen, that perfectly resurrect the new wave / gothic rock tradition popularised by bands such as Bauhaus and Joy Division. Yet, in true Chalk form, there was no way they would let the final song on the EP simply fizzle out, as the tempo gradually surges forward with the help of a motivating drum rhythm provided by drummer Luke Niblock and avant garde, staccato synth elements from guitarist and synth performer Ben Goddard. If I were to describe this song in one word it would be euphoric, as the trio’s glorious combination of both old and new approaches to music making makes the listening experience feel like floating.
Reflecting on the collection as a whole, ‘Conditions III’ feels like far more than just a higgledly piggledy collection of songs that they have been working on in the last few months, but instead an incredibly complex and well thought out piece of audio art. It flows seamlessly into one another – in short, you cannot simply listen to one song on the EP without craving the rest, it demands to be listened to as a whole.
With an incredibly huge UK/EU/IE tour lined up for this spring coinciding with the EP’s arrival, there is no doubt that Chalk are well on their way to being household names. Stream the EP, ‘Conditions III’ below.
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