Belfast post-punk/electronic trio Chalk are starting out 2023 with a bang, releasing their powerful new single 'Static' today ahead of their debut UK and Irish headline tour.

Buzzing, distorted acoustics meld with an aggressive vocal performance, while lyrics tackle tense topics and paranoia. The feeling of being followed, watched, stalked bleeds into the musicality itself, the guitar riffs and drum beat.

The crescendo of a chorus features swirling hellscapes of cold, isolated melodies and malevolent, brooding percussion.

Produced by collaborator Chris Ryan (NewDad, Just Mustard), this is a release full of purpose and of intent. 'Static' drags the audience inside the dense and atmospheric chambers of Chalk's explosive congregation.

'Stand up straight, a pre-owned smile' / 'There’s been a knock at my door, they’re gonna try and burn me down'," Ross Cullen declares on the track. "Searching for something to do, just to keep myself right."

“We wanted to explore the feeling of not knowing your place in the world," Cullen says of the single. "Living within order and regime, following instructions. But then subverting from the social norms and gaining control. Creating a path for yourself, confronting the uncertainty and risks.

"'Searching for something to do, just to keep myself right' - reaching the end of that path and waiting for fulfilment but you’re not sure when it will come or if it will at all. 'I could have sworn that I’d cut the cord'."

Despite their early career status, they've already received platitudes from national radio and press following the release of previous singles 'Them' and 'Velodrome'.

The project was formed in 2019 after meeting at film school. Despite only being in their second year as a band, the three-piece have already been championed by the likes of Steve Lamacq and Jack Saunders.

Influenced by their love of film and the emerging Belfast dance scene, Chalk’s image-driven soundscape is composed of wailing guitars, a relentless rhythm section, and a raw, visceral spoken-word style. Their DIY visual approach interweaves with their sound in an evocative fashion.

The trio are currently working on their debut EP and have signed with Mother Artists (IDLES, Cat Le Bon, First Aid Kit).