Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes
Formed in Belfast in 2019, Chalk have already made a name for themselves. From support slots for Fontaines D.C., IDLES and Sprints, to taking to the stage at SXSW earlier this year, the band’s growth has been rapid and shows no signs of stopping. Touring their debut album Crystalpunk, Chalk have packed Gorilla wall-to-wall with ravers and rockers alike, ready to shake the foundations with their signature blend of post-punk and industrial dance soundscapes.
First to grace the hallowed Gorilla stage is Autumns, the solo project of Derry-based producer Christian Donaghey. Donaghey takes to the stage with energy and attitude, utilising his mastery of pounding EBM with a swagger, as if ordering the crowd to move – and move they do. Wailing shouts echo over dark synth beats as the room dances along, sweating and eager for more as he blasts through the set.
Headliners Chalk give the audience exactly what they want as they rattle through the set. Vocalist Ross Cullen is unrelenting and endlessly energetic; not even a myriad of microphone issues or brawling punters (who he promptly shames out of the building for “ruining our Friday night”) can stop him tonight.
Backed up by guitar and synths from Benedict Goddard and touring drummer Fiontain McAleavey on the skins, Cullen owns the room. When he isn’t dancing around and commanding from the stage, he’s taking the show to the crowd and throwing himself in to open up the pit on numerous occasions.
Chalk didn’t have to prove themselves tonight, but still showed exactly why they’re rising up the ranks. Brimming with power and presence, it’s time for Chalk to become the big band, instead of opening for them.
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