Conditions III - Chalk | EP Review

By: Chalk

Released: February 2025

Genre: Post-Punk

Type: EP

Favourite song: Afraid

Another highly anticipated EP, Chalk’s ‘Conditions III’ was everything I needed it to be and more. Defying genre, this electronic, post-punk, gothic-laced collection of songs absolutely blew my mind. This EP was teased with singles ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Afraid’, both of which I became completely obsessed with upon release.

The opening track ‘Leipzig 87‘ is an electronic instrumental, accompanied by quiet spoken word, the perfect opener to such a drama-filled EP. Electronic melodies grace the bass-centred drum machine’s beat as it progressively becomes heavier throughout. Distorted instruments sound like metal pipes hitting the ground and bring an uneasiness to the sequence. The drum machine's increasing and decreasing tempo towards the end of the song almost builds anxiety and anticipation to then lead immaculately into the next song. 

‘Afraid’ hits you suddenly following ‘Leipzig 87’. I got the fright of my life alongside some serious goosebumps when Afraid kicked in. Travelling from the somewhat ambient ‘Leipzig’ to sudden sharp repeated vocals in Afraid surely does wake you up. Even the increasing speed and pitch of the chopped-up vocal part of the intro can’t prepare you for the chunky, base-y guitar to bless your ears immediately afterwards. The instruments buzz while the chunk of the bass tickles your brain in all the right places. I did attempt to discover the lyrics for ‘Afraid’ but was met with a lot of guesswork and question marks so I do wish I could know what this song is about.

The initial single ‘Tell Me’ follows, electronic riffs and fantastic bass carrying the wonderful vocals of Ross Cullen. The lyrics are kind of up to your own interpretation, people are definitely going for rides and telling other people things, that I am sure of. The vibe I’m getting is that if you’re looking for ‘a normal guy’ maybe Chalk isn’t the place to go looking. Walking and listening to ‘Tell Me’ makes you feel powerful, I’ll be giving glares to people accidentally on the train because I feel a bit like John Wick. I’m thoroughly obsessed with this song and if I were to recommend Chalk to somebody, I’d probably send them this tune. 

Closing out the EP is ‘Pool Scene’, which opens with echoing synth, imitating strings. All instruments feel fabricated which I believe is exactly what this song is trying to come across as. Ross’ rugged voice compliments the tone of the music so perfectly. The song picks up around halfway through with a more active beat and dreamy synth, it feels like a climax in a film. Dark lyrics are a call for help to the receiver in the most poetic way possible, they are beautiful. The EP fades out as if you’re listening from your tent at a festival. 

This EP  is a masterpiece and a real triumph from Chalk. I discovered them through Radio 6 Music when they played ‘Tell Me’ whilst I was working at a coffee kiosk. It caught my attention immediately, bringing this dark gloomy feeling I had to the front and feeling it as power. Since then I’ve been keeping a close eye on Chalk and have enjoyed everything they have released. There is a definite theme of ‘riding’ throughout this EP and I need to know if that was intentional. I plan on going to see them on tour next month and I am already counting down the days.