Belfast trio Chalk recorded the third of their Conditions trilogy in northern Iceland. The bleak Nordic landscape has seeped into the music produced, and the result is astounding. Chalk combine electronica with guitar music but on Conditions III (Nice Swan Records) this description is totally inadequate. Ross Cullen (lead vocals), Benedict Goddard (guitar and synths) and Luke Niblock (drums, additional vocals) met while studying film at Queen’s University, Belfast. The vast cinematic scale of their music is all encompassing.
Opener ‘Leipzig 87’ challenges the listener initially. It is unclear where it’s heading as it builds slowly. The sounds are purposely undecipherable, until the beat finally kicks in, foreboding and heavy. The lyrics are delivered in German but again not easy to hear adding to the overall tension. The whispering is chilling, ghostly until the electronic pulses start to close out the track, fading in and out. They are reminiscent of a geiger counter for measuring radiation, building further tension. The pulses continue into ‘Afraid’ but here the thunderous beats are at the very forefront, loud and heavy and pounding and pounding and pounding. Remember there are just three people producing this darkly euphoric whirling soundscape which feels so relevant for the contemporary world we live in right now. The impact of the repeating “I want to be afraid” suggests the protagonist wants to be challenged in order to grow. The abrupt ending leaves the listener unclear if it is the end as it feels too soon. Live ‘Afraid’ will be all consuming.
‘Tell Me’ begins with a more traditional dancebeat. The thumping drum provides a constant for the scuzzy synths to hang off, the euphoria building in the final third before the drop, which when it comes is intoxicating. The frenzy continues to escalate until an abrupt end, unexpected by the listener. Chalk leaves us wanting more.
And so to the final track ‘Pool Scene’. Cinematic in its build up, this is music which fills the room. The deep vocal delivery is thoughtful, considered. ‘Pool Scene’ is introspective for its first half. However the second half launches into techno electronica. This is Chalk coming together as one. “Without you I’ll never learn” on repeat, builds to reach a crescendo, guitar and drums and synths galloping along at pace. Until the outro, quietly fading out the end of the Conditions era.
Speaking ahead of the EP’s release, Chalk shared:
“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.”
Chalk have a huge UK/IRE/EU tour lined up this spring to coincide with the EP’s release. Do not hesitate to grab the opportunity to hear this rapturous music live.
So ends the Conditions era, but with Conditions III closing out this phase of Chalk, one can only imagine what comes next. An exhilarating thought indeed.
For more information on Chalk please check their facebook and instagram.
