Chalk at Band on the Wall

Twisting the sounds of techno and industrial post punk, the much-hyped three-piece Chalk are bringing their high octane live show to Band on the Wall at the end of February.

Dublin’s built a reputation for producing some amazing guitar bands in recent years, while 100 miles north, the dance scene is thriving. Hailing from Dublin but based in Belfast, Chalk absorb the best of both worlds, splitting the difference between traditional guitar band and underground club act. Bleak, harsh and exhilarating, their metallic racket is getting them noticed far and wide, with all signs pointing to an explosive future.

The band are working towards their debut album by releasing a trilogy of EPs: Conditions I, II and III, with that final instalment coming on 21 February. At once cinematic and frenzied, the first two EPs find singer Ross Cullen’s emotionally raw vocals pitted against a juggernaut of industrial energy. Rattling synths, crushed drums and menacing bass cut through with the intensity of a panic attack, while brooding electronics dial up the drama.

Conditions III was recorded in remote Iceland, on the eve and aftermath of a volcanic eruption. According to a press release it sees Chalk explore “bold new sounds and sonic territories, shaped equally by Nordic brutality and beauty and intense, oppressive urban corridors.”

Early singles ‘Afraid’ and ‘Tell Me’ hit the mark. The ice cold ‘Afraid’ goes all in on aggression, with a monstrous guitar riff, hellbent electronics and explosive vocals culminating in the wildest track the band have released. ‘Tell Me’ turns towards smoky, sweat-drenched clublands, with gothic electro now added to the menu.

Those tense builds and endorphin-releasing drops feel tailor made for live performance, and you can already see a cross section of Manchester’s band and club scenes throwing themselves around Band on the Wall a week after this new EP drops. If you want a taste of what to expect from the gig, take a look at the video above, and you’ll see the band – even at this early stage in their career – have got their live show nailed. If that doesn’t convince you to get tickets, nothing will…