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CHALK Unveil Raw Single ‘Can’t Feel It’ and Announce Largest UK & Ireland Tour Yet

CHALK Unveil Raw Single ‘Can’t Feel It’ and Announce Largest UK & Ireland Tour Yet

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
6 minute read

CHALK Unveil Raw Single ‘Can’t Feel It’ and Announce Largest UK & Ireland Tour Yet

Feel the pulse of CHALK’s angsty new single and catch their biggest UK and Ireland tour filling venues with post-punk energy.

A New Wave of Emotion: CHALK’s ‘Can’t Feel It’

If you’ve been following the post-punk scene, CHALK’s latest release, “Can’t Feel It,” is a vivid reminder why this Belfast duo continues to carve out a niche all their own. Ross Cullen’s evocative vocals paired with Benedict Goddard’s dynamic guitar and synth create a soundtrack that’s both nervous and electrifying. Their sound pulses with a restless tension—like a secret you’re thrilled to hold onto but anxious to reveal.

CHALK press shot - duo in moody lighting

CHALK captured in a striking promo shot, showcasing their moody post-punk aura.

This track follows on the heels of their February Conditions III EP and August’s single Pain, demonstrating the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots. Produced by Chris Ryan (known for his work with Just Mustard and NewDad) alongside Cullen, “Can’t Feel It” is layered with jittery synths that feel like the soundtrack to a sleepless night, while Ross’s voice cuts through with raw emotion and youthful angst.

Watch ‘Can’t Feel It’ Official Video

Embrace the full sensory experience of “Can’t Feel It” with their freshly released music video. The visuals intertwine medieval courtly love themes with modern-day tech—smartphones and ear pods—creating a striking contrast that mirrors the song’s tension between repression and release.

Touring Times: The Biggest UK & Ireland Headline Dates Yet

The excitement doesn’t stop with the music. CHALK are gearing up for their most ambitious UK and Ireland tour to date, with a string of shows kicking off in April 2026. Starting in Brussels on April 10, the tour winds through major cities including London, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, and Dublin, before culminating in a triumphant hometown show in Belfast at the Limelight on May 16.

Before that, they embark on their first headline tour across North America this November, hitting iconic spots like Vancouver’s Fox Cabaret and New York’s Baby’s All Right. If you’re lucky enough to catch them live, you’ll witness the electrifying energy these two pour into every performance—an intimate yet powerful experience that sticks with you.

Tickets went on pre-sale October 28, with general sales opening the next day. For those planning ahead, it’s a chance to grab seats for what promises to be a must-see tour.

CHALK Tour Dates Overview:

November 2025: North America
Nov 1 – Amsterdam, London Calling
Nov 7 – Vancouver, Fox Cabaret
Nov 8 – Seattle, Freakout Festival
Nov 9 – Portland, Holocene
Nov 11 – San Francisco, Kilowatt
Nov 13 – Los Angeles, Gold-Diggers
Nov 20 – New York, Baby’s All Right

April 2026: Europe & UK
Apr 10 – Brussels, Botanique Rotonde
Apr 11 – Paris, Trabendo
Apr 15 – Milan, Santeria Toscana
Apr 16 – Zurich, Bogen F
Apr 18 – Berlin, Lido
Apr 20 – Amsterdam, Tolhuistuin
Apr 22 – Bristol, The Fleece
Apr 23 – London, Electric Ballroom
Apr 24 – Manchester, Gorilla
Apr 25 – Leeds, The Wardrobe

May 2026: Ireland & Scotland
May 14 – Glasgow, The Arts School
May 15 – Dublin, The Button Factory
May 16 – Belfast, Limelight

The Story Behind ‘Can’t Feel It’

Ross Cullen offers an intimate glimpse into the inspiration behind the song, revealing it as a dance track that captures the rollercoaster of youth. It’s “about a secret first kiss I had with a friend when I was younger,” Ross shares, “and reminiscing on the euphoria of that – but also the excitement of keeping something hidden from everyone around me, which in the end led to feelings of solitude and alienation.”

This blend of joy and melancholy perfectly encapsulates the emotional tug-of-war so many of us have experienced during our formative years. The track’s pulse and melody mirror that tension beautifully.

Visual Storytelling: The ‘Can’t Feel It’ Video

The band describes the video as a “song about sensuality, yearning, and desire,” set in a medieval world that merges mythic imagery with modern technology. This clever juxtaposition enhances the song's themes, symbolizing the conflict between tradition and experimentation, repression and release.

It’s a perfect visual match for a track that feels like a bridge between eras—both timeless and utterly contemporary.

Standing for What Matters: CHALK’s Solidarity Move

Beyond their music and tours, CHALK have made impactful political statements. They were among five Irish bands—including Cardinals, Enola Gay, Gurriers, and NewDad—to pull out of the 2024 SXSW festival. This collective decision was a powerful gesture of solidarity with Palestine, following the revelation that the US Army and defense contractor RTX (Raytheon) sponsored the event.

It’s heartening to see artists using their voices and platforms to stand up for causes they believe in, showing that punk spirit isn’t just about sound but about action, too.

“We wanted to write a dance track that celebrated the ups and downs of youth.”
– Ross Cullen, CHALK vocalist

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, CHALK’s “Can’t Feel It” and their upcoming tour promise a vivid dive into raw emotion and pulsating energy. It’s a journey through youthful highs and lows, wrapped in edgy synths and intense vocals that stay with you long after the music fades.

FAQ

  • What is the theme of CHALK’s new single ‘Can’t Feel It’?
    It explores the exhilaration and isolation connected to youthful secrets and first love, blending dance rhythms with emotional depth.
  • When does CHALK’s biggest UK and Ireland tour start?
    The tour kicks off on April 10, 2026, in Brussels and continues through major UK and Ireland cities until May 16, 2026.
  • Who produced ‘Can’t Feel It’?
    The track was co-produced by Chris Ryan, known for his work with Just Mustard and NewDad, alongside CHALK’s Ross Cullen.
  • What unique elements are featured in the ‘Can’t Feel It’ music video?
    The video merges medieval courtly love imagery with modern technology like smartphones and ear pods, illustrating the tension between tradition and modernity.
  • Has CHALK been involved in any political activism?
    Yes, CHALK was part of a group of Irish bands that withdrew from SXSW 2024 to protest the involvement of military sponsors, demonstrating solidarity with Palestine.

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