Belfast duo CHALK have released their debut album ‘Crystalpunk’, a powerful blend of post-punk and electronic music shaped by their upbringing in Northern Ireland. The record reflects the complexity of growing up amid political conflict, drawing on punk and rave cultures that once served as safe spaces and now define the album’s sound and spirit. With acclaimed singles, major radio support, and a fast-rising profile, CHALK channels themes of identity, resilience, and generational experience into a bold debut, marking them as an exciting force ahead of a busy year of touring and festival appearances.
Just days into their U.S. run following SXSW, and fresh off the journey from Belfast, CHALK’s Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard took command of the Sleeping Village stage in Chicago last Saturday night. Just three days into the Crystalpunk tour, the duo are joined by Chicago punk outfit Totally Crashed. Heavy, loud, and relentless, the band delivers a high-energy, abrasive set that keeps eyes and ears locked on frontman Max Niemann. Exuding confidence, the frenzied openers make the most of their time, proving more than worth the while. Mixing standout tracks with a punchy Beastie Boys cover, they leave the crowd drained and buzzing in equal measure—laying a powerful foundation for CHALK to elevate even further.
As fog seeps between the blackened walls of SV, CHALK’s entrance sets a stark, uncompromising tone from the outset. Opening with the third single from their debut record, “Can’t Feel It,” the duo lay it down with relentless force. Echoing the Industrial-chic aesthetic of their album art, piercing white strobes and flashes of silver light carve out a monochrome energy with a razor-edged bite as CHALK push the boundaries. Loud yet controlled, Cullen and Goddard move fluidly across the stage, their melodic intensity surging through the crowd as they tear through ‘Crystalpunk’. Fusing industrial grit with club-driven propulsion, the duo blur the line between rave culture and punk ethos, crafting a sound that is both confrontational and hypnotic.
With their Crystalpunk tour in full swing, now is the perfect time to catch Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard in their element. This is a performance that’s as visually captivating as it is sonically relentless, and one that any fan of boundary-pushing music shouldn’t miss. Stream their debut record ‘Crystalpunk’, out now on all, if not most, DSPs, and catch them on their most eclectic tour yet.
I'm a music writer, reviewer, and enthusiast based in Chicago, IL. Music has always been my passion, and I enjoy all genres of live music. In addition to my love for the art, I also collect vinyl, create music content, and run a music lovers club under the name "MaraschinoMix". In my free time, I curate playlists, share music recommendations, and enjoy staying active with running and yoga.
