Single flashback

Chalk Circle - April Fool [1986]

There are many CanCon acts that I would like more people to hear and appreciate, but the boys in Chalk Circle are very near the top of the list.

Fronted by guitarist Chris Tait, and enhanced by the talents of rhythm section Brad Hopkins (bass) and Derrick Murphy (drums) as well as classically trained keyboards from Tad Winklarz, their output was limited to an EP and two LPs on indie label Duke Street Records.

After signing, the band released this single to a surprising response - selling 35,000 copies of The Great Lake EP - marking a record-setting release for Duke Street at that time. The label had the group back in the studio straight away to work on their full-length Mending Wall.

A few other excellent singles followed, including a cheeky cover of 20th Century Boy [T. Rex], but April Fool marked their highest ranking effort on the RPM Chart.

April Fool - peaked #21, 1986

A beautiful wave of synth gives way to a guitar lick that would make The Edge slightly jealous. The chorus is brief, but with terrific, anthemic harmonies. This is some arena-ready music, right here.

The drums are massive and there is a pretty piano counterpoint introduced near the end of the track.

There is also a brief bridge that ends with a sudden drum crack and silence. Just another of the many hooks at work.

No April fool beholds today
When my kingdom falls, and yours will stay

Lyrically, there is empathy and the possibility of a great sacrifice. Our narrator is not messing around and sounds steadfast in their support.

This track is amazing - atmospheric and cinematic. Propelled by that insistent guitar, I just never want it to end.

B-Side | Me, Myslelf & I - peaked #91, 1986

Switching things up a bit, we now have an acoustic guitar and a 4-note keyboard hook taking centre stage. Tait’s vocals and the background harmonies are on point - he’s such a unique singer.

This story is a little easier to follow, but I love the metaphor of the box and the barbed wire. If you’ve ever been scared to commit, you should relate.

A gift from me to you
When I give you the box
But I can't promise
That it will be unlocked
Trapped with barbed wire
So don't cut your pretty hands
All my silly selfishness
Is just not easy to understand

Tait would start a new band called Big Faith in 1990 when it seemed clear that this project had run it’s course.

If you’re interested to dive in a little further and hear some more gems, I’d recommend the compilation helpfully called The Best of Chalk Circle. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’re a subscriber [it’s free!] you can enjoy the post I wrote on this record last year.