In terms of origins and inspirations to create a piece of art, ‘Conditions III’ by Chalk might be one of the best we've ever heard. Written across the eve and aftermath of a volcanic eruption in a remote part of Iceland, the three-piece from Belfast known for their post-punk, techno and industrial guitar have brought us the finale to their trilogy of 'Conditions' EPs.
With a passion for Dublin’s guitar music scene and influenced by Belfast’s dance scene, Chalk have the perfect mix of Irish post-punk. For a band who only formed in 2019, and released their very first EP without ever playing a single gig, they have had great success on the scene so far - selling out their debut hometown headline in Belfast. It’s clear to see their unique perspectives and challenges are highlighted throughout the band discography, with ‘Conditions III’ being no different.
‘Leipzig 87’ envelopes us in a soundwave of industrial noise, building layers of techno and whispering recorded speech. The track starts deathly quiet, you can hear each layer of sound being stacked on top of one another until it’s almost too much - before they're drawn back all at once, leaving us craving more. Certain beats remind the listener of a heartbeat, an intimately familiar sound but pitched differently here, feeling almost alien. The rhythmic clang of metal echoing throughout the track, mixing perfectly with the already established electronic techno beats, add more industrial elements to the track
The popping and clicking ending of ‘Leipzig 87’ carries onto our next track ‘Afraid’, where you can definitely feel a distinct style which then carries through the whole EP- a testament to Chalk’s confidence in their unique approach. The layering of music slowly fading in portions, before blasting forth with an added soundscape of guitars and repeating vocals throughout the track, certainly elevates the listen and fits right in with the feeling of being on a sweaty packed dance floor or sold out gig.
‘Tell Me’ explores themes of wanting to run away and never return, along with the confusion and dissociation that comes with the feeling of needing to get away from your own dark past. Linking back to themes that were lightly explored in the previous 'Conditions' EP’s, but this is a much deeper dive into this headspace, always searching for an answer that might not ever present itself to us.
The music, and in turn the music video, provide an ever-growing tension with pressure growing and building with every second, like a disaster you know is about to happen but you can’t seem to take your eyes off of. It’s executed perfectly with the visuals of a small confined car, bright red lights, and rain constantly pouring - an argument awaiting to erupt at any moment.
The longest track on the release is the epic conclusion to both the EP and the trilogy: ‘Pool Scene’ is almost 5 minutes long, and spends that time feeling optimistic and hopeful, a complete contrast to the previous track. The whole piece feels lighter, following the same slow build up and adding layers of sound we have come to expect from Chalk’s approach. It feels like a deep breath of fresh air after all the intensity of ‘Tell Me’, with themes of letting go and moving forwards but still with contradictory lyrics, an internal battle we all face when uncertain in life. However, ‘Pool Scene’ feels like an homage to old wounds, battles and conflicts in the past - we would never learn how to get back up again if we haven’t first been pushed down to the ground. It’s clear they have a dedicated fanbase, and who can blame them with their themes of vibrant techno, deeper dives into tension and confusion and a successfully ambitious conclusion to their 'Conditions' EP trilogy.
Chalk are currently set to embark on a string of sold out headlines across the UK, Ireland and Europe at the end of February and into early March.
'Conditions III' will be released on January 21st 2025 via Nice Swan Records.
Words: Tyler Whiting
Photo: Aaron Cunningham
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