For Those I Love’s Carving The Stone is bold, poetic and vividly real

Introducing the world to his poet-producer persona, the album spoke about the people that made him, the love he cherished, whilst also tinged with the grief of his best friend since childhood and lifelong musical partner.

New album Carving The Stone turns the focus to home. It’s no secret that Balfe has Irish roots, but this album argues whether the roots are dug too deep for him to break free. Struggling somewhere between having pride for his homeland and desperately wanting to leave, the album addresses how Irish capitalism is ruining working class communities. It’s personal whilst also looking at the bigger picture.

Album opener and title track “Carving The Stone” delivers a punchy introduction. A mirror into the toils of modern society, lyrics such as “Modern life makes fools of our kind now we’re older” pierce through sharply, telling of the freedom of youth lost. “No Scheme” swirls with the hedonism of his teenage years before the stillness of adult life paralyses him with boredom. “We’ve all got jobs and we’re bored”, he exclaims as he toys with what the bourgeoisie have drained from him.

Meanwhile, the heavy hitting “Mirror” reflects on how violence is tarnishing his neighbourhood - “How many of us are miseducated? / Inflated by a hate filled rhetoric”, Balfe mutters over a climbing thud. On the soaring “Civic”, Balfe tells of once feeling alive with the lyrics, inspired by his creativity, before the humdrum of life snatched that away, but while still clinging onto the solitude of his mates’ arms.

The overall production of this album is a step beyond any of Balfe’s previous offerings. A steady mixture of heavy club swells, floating strings, sharp guitar lines and bold drums, each sonic poem has a spiralling soundtrack to mirror its words.

What makes Balfe’s music so believable is the rugged way in which he speaks – his words spitting as if to leave marks. An impression of the life he lives, loves and loathes all in equal measure. Carving The Stone displays some of Balfe’s most vivid storytelling to date. Characters formed from his own observations are brought to life in full colour, whilst also carrying the greys of their troubles. It’s an album that demonstrates Balfe’s subtle genius.