Saturday night , Irish band Chalk lit up Whelan’s with a performance that was nothing short of electric. Blending electronic textures with raw, high-energy rock, the trio created a sound that hit hard and didn’t let up for a second.
From the start, the atmosphere was buzzing. The crowd was locked in, and the band fed off that energy with each track. The standout moment came when lead singer Ross Cullen jumped down from the stage and into the crowd mid-song. It wasn’t just a walk-through either — he was fully performing among us, mic in hand, as the crowd surged around him. That move kicked things into another gear, and suddenly, the floor turned into a full-blown mosh pit with people dancing and shouting every word back.
Chalk absolutely owned the night, and if this show is anything to go by, they’re a band to keep an eye on. Whelan’s won’t forget that energy anytime soon.
Opening the night was Makeshift Art Bar, who set the tone with a truly unique and captivating performance. Their sound — a sharp blend of post-punk and garage rock came alive with metallic textures, tension-filled rhythms, and razor-edged guitars. The guitarist shifted seamlessly between an electric guitar and a lap steel, adding an unexpected layer of texture to the set. Their arch, febrile vocals and jagged energy pulled the crowd in, creating a palpable sense of anticipation before Chalk even hit the stage.
Makeshift Art Bar photos:
Chalk photos:
Photos & words – Erica Keogh @ericasnapz