SINGLE REVIEW: CHALK ‘AFRAID’: A Dark Dance Symphony of Fear and Resilience
Belfast’s own post-punk/electronic specialists Chalk have returned with their brooding new effort, “Afraid.” Premiering on BBC 6 Music by Huw Stephens, this track is the second tantalising taste from their upcoming ‘Conditions III’ EP, set for release on February 21st via Nice Swan Records.
“Afraid” grabs your attention right from the start and immerses you in a powerful sonic experience reminiscent of an industrial rave party. The heavy guitar riffs, pulsating electronica, and fast-paced breakbeats are expertly combined in this dark track, creating a chaotic soundtrack that evokes feelings of fear. It seems as though the music is an extreme manifestation of the disoriented feelings associated with PTSD, or at least that’s how I interpret it.
The song evokes a mournful yet resolute spirit, and it was recorded against the dramatic and harsh backgrounds of Iceland’s desolate landscapes and breathtaking Nordic panoramas. Every note reflects the rebellious spirit of the environment, giving the song a raw emotional depth that captivates and unnerves you. It’s extremely clever and quite a piece of auditory art. The vocals are haunting, serving as a haunting contrast to the chaotic instrumentation. Each lyric resonates with vulnerability and defiance, echoing the struggles faced by those who live with their fears daily. The artist’s voice cuts through the dense layers of sound, infusing personal strength into the atmosphere of desolation and turmoil.
The more the song moves along, it grows into an intense one that combines repetitive lyrics with a crazed crescendo that personifies inner strife. In total, “Afraid” is so much more than just a song: it’s something of an experience, inviting listeners to delve into the darker crevices of their minds even as it grants a sense of catharsis. Its unique combination of genres and elements results in a sonic domain that is both unnerving and compelling. It’s an flawless production that brings you to the place where raw emotion of fear and resilience coexists, leaving you feeling empowered.
Produced by Chris Ryan (NewDad, Enola Gay, Just Mustard) and Ross Cullen, “Afraid” is out now via Nice Swan Records and available on all digital platforms. Chalk’s thrilling journey continues to gather pace, and with “Afraid,” they’ve delivered a haunting masterpiece that cements their place as one of the most exciting bands to watch.
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Live Dates
27th Feb – King Tuts, Glasgow
28th Feb – Band on the Wall, Manchester
1st Mar – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
4th Mar – Bodega, Nottingham
6th Mar – Village Underground, Village
7th Mar – Strange Brew, Bristol
8th Mar – Concorde 2, Brighton
9th Mar – Heebie Jeebies, Liverpool
12th Mar – Paradiso, Amsterdam
13th Mar – Trix Bar, Brussels
14th Mar – La Lune des Pirates, Amiens
15th Mar – Maroquinerie, Paris
17th Mar – L’Astrolab, Orleans
18th Mar – Marché Gare, Lyon
20th Mar – Artteater, Cologne
21st Mar – Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
22nd Mar – Turmzimmer, Hamburg
26th Mar – Locomotiv, Bologna
27th Mar – Arci Bellezza, Milan
29th Mar – M4music Festival, Zurich
9th Apr – Ulster Sports, Belfast
10th Apr – Ulster Sports, Belfast
11th Apr – Ulster Sports, Belfast
12th Apr – Whelans, Dublin
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