Chalk ‘Tongue’ Review: A Deep Dive into the New Single from Crystalpunk

Chalk Just Dropped ‘Tongue’ and It’s Everything We Wanted From Crystalpunk

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the Belfast music scene lately, you know that Chalk isn’t interested in making background music. They make the kind of tracks that demand you stop what you’re doing and lean in. Their latest single, “Tongue,” is the perfect example of why this trio is currently one of the most exciting acts in the UK and Ireland.

Ahead of their debut album Crystalpunk (landing March 13, 2026), “Tongue” feels like a massive leap forward. It’s gritty, it’s cinematic, and it’s a little bit dangerous.

The Vibe: A “Cold Euphoria”

Chalk has always lived in that murky space between a sweaty basement rave and a post-punk show. “Tongue” doubles down on that. Recorded out in the stark, volcanic landscapes of Iceland, you can actually hear that environment in the song.

There’s a sense of “cold euphoria” here—think driving rhythms and industrial synths that feel like they’re vibrating in your chest. But beneath the noise, there’s a real human pulse. Ross Cullen’s vocals don’t just sit on top of the music; they fight through it, moving from breathy whispers to full-blown catharsis.

What is “Tongue” Actually About?

While their earlier EPs felt like a frantic reaction to the world around them, “Tongue” feels more internal. The band has been vocal about shifting toward “personal realism,” and you can feel that shift here.

It’s a track about the frustration of communication—the gap between what we want to say and what actually comes out. It captures that specific brand of Irish youth culture: the beauty, the confusion, and the desire to find something authentic in a world that feels increasingly digital and distant.

Looking Ahead: The Crystalpunk Era

“Tongue” isn’t just a standalone moment; it’s the opening statement for their 10-track debut, Crystalpunk. Looking at the tracklist, it’s clear the band is ready to tell a much larger story.

  • Release Date: March 13, 2026

  • The Standouts: Along with “Tongue,” keep an ear out for “Can’t Feel It” and the hometown-nod “Béal Feirste.”

“We’re beginning to find comfort in realism and more personal subjects.” — It’s this honesty that makes the heavy production feel earned rather than just loud.

See Them Live (Before They’re Headlining Festivals)

If you haven’t seen Chalk live yet, you’re missing out on one of the most physical shows touring right now. They’re hitting SXSW in March before heading back for a run of UK/Ireland dates, including a massive slot supporting IDLES at Custom House Square this August.

The verdict? “Tongue” is a total earworm that refuses to play nice. It’s dark, danceable, and exactly what we needed to kick off the Crystalpunk era.