‘There’s no flag for people like us’: electro-punk duo Chalk on spanning divides in post-Troubles Belfast
Electro-punk duo Chalk, comprised of Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard, embodies a unique fusion of Protestant-Catholic and English-Irish heritages, mirroring the hybridity of their sound. Operating in post-Troubles Belfast, the band actively works to bridge societal divides and combat hate.
Their journey began at university where they met while studying film, leading to the formation of Chalk. For five years, they have meticulously crafted a powerful live performance, drawing comparisons to the euphoric rave energy of Underworld and the intense industrial edge of Nine Inch Nails. Yet, their music remains deeply rooted in Belfast's rich musical landscape, incorporating elements from punk pioneers like Stiff Little Fingers and Rudi, as well as the electronic beats of David Holmes and the city's vibrant Sugar Sweet-era rave scene.
As Goddard explains, the duo aimed to maximize their sonic impact with just two members, stating, “We wanted to make as much noise as we could with just two people. But we never wanted to be limited by that.” This philosophy underscores their ambition to create a commanding and unrestricted sound, contributing a distinct voice to Belfast's evolving music scene.
Fresh materials — Society news
Esther Rantzen, TV Presenter and Childline Founder, Dies at 86
Esther Rantzen, the Bafta-winning television presenter and creator of the charity Childline, has died at 86. Her family described her as “the most wonderful mother” and “cherished grandmother,” whose “legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childli
How Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Captures the Game's Essence
Some Resident Evil fans have voiced dissatisfaction online with Zach Cregger’s film adaptation, calling it "not a real Resident Evil movie." Yet, despite the absence of iconic heroes like Leon or Claire, familiar villains, and well-known settings, Cregger's interpretation stands out a
Questions for Michael Winterbottom
The 90s are currently in vogue, but they wouldn't have happened without the 80s. Michael Winterbottom's 2002 film, 24 Hour Party People, explores Manchester's music scene from the Sex Pistols' 1976 gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall, through Factory Records, Joy Division, New Order, an
Mighty Sparrow, Trinidad and Tobago's 'Calypso King of the World,' Dies at 91
Slinger Francisco, known on stage as the Mighty Sparrow and hailed as the “calypso king of the world,” has died at 91. His family confirmed his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones in New York on Sunday, stating it followed a brief illness. Francisco rose to prominence in calypso music
Korea review – a nirvana of wild beauty shattered by the 20th century
Can they replicate the success? The British Museum's blockbuster Bayeux Tapestry exhibition has set a high bar. Now, they follow with "Korea," an exploration of "2,000 years of creativity" from a land that, prior to the 20th century's hardships, experienced millennia of peace, as refl
Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore": A Human Glimpse Amidst Bitter Love Songs
Taylor Swift's decision to release an expanded version of her album, "The Life of a Showgirl," titled "The Encore," has sparked speculation. Many fans believe it's a strategic move to influence Grammy voters or to disrupt chart records. This follows Swift's earlier statement that "