CHALK “Tongue” single review and “Crystalpunk” album announcement

"Tongue" Album Art

Matias Rilasciati | February 2026

CHALK, the powerful duo of Ross Cullen and Ben Goddard, is rewriting the sound of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Since forming in 2022, the pair has carved a distinct path through the music industry, seeing a rapid ascent over the past year marked by a sold-out headline tour and breakout festival performances. Their momentum is relentless as the release of their debut record, “Crystalpunk”, approaches on March 13.

“Tongue” serves as the final single before the duo’s full album drops. Audacious and vibrant, the track perfectly complements its predecessors (“Pain”, “Can’t Feel It”, and “I.D.C.”). CHALK blends a sharp post-punk and electronic palette with echoes of early 2000s rock: an influence that feels particularly evident in this latest release.

The lyrics are angry, provocative, and unapologetically direct: “Do I go back to hell? / Should I go fuck myself?” There isn’t much room for interpretation here. The duo translates their youth and national heritage into a soundscape that portrays the nuanced, multifaceted identity. Complexity and energy merge in a collision of synthetic rhythms and raw vocals, leaving the listener craving more.

The duo has an incredible year ahead. Following the launch of “Crystalpunk”, they are set to take on stages across the UK and Europe this spring before joining major lineups for the summer festival season. Keep an eye on CHALK—I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of them very soon.

Stream “Tongue” here!

Follow CHALK on Instagram here!

Pre-save “Crystalpunk” here!