For Those I Love – ‘Carving The Stone’ Review: A Raw, Complex Portrait of Modern Irish Life

Dive into the vivid exploration of Dublin’s struggles and spirit in For Those I Love’s ‘Carving The Stone,’ a stirring blend of poetry and production.

Trapped Between Love and Discontent: The Heart of ‘Carving The Stone’

“Where’s the pride in this city? I won’t survive in this city,” spits David Balfe, the mind behind For Those I Love, in the striking track ‘This Is Not The Place I Belong.’ This line perfectly captures the conflicting emotions pulsing through Carving The Stone, his latest album. Balfe wrestles with his deep affection for Dublin and a crushing desire to escape its growing hardships.

The album serves as a brutal, nuanced study of modern Irish life, painted through Balfe’s sharp spoken-word delivery and refined production skills. Since his 2021 self-titled debut, his storytelling and beatmaking have only matured, offering a raw snapshot of life’s contradictions in his hometown—where love and frustration collide.

For Those I Love lays bare the struggles and love for Dublin through his poetic and musical craft.

Vivid Snapshots of Life: From Violence to Tenderness

What makes Carving The Stone so compelling is Balfe’s ability to jump between gritty, unsettling portraits and intimate, tender moments. On the title track, he paints a haunting image:

“Smashed in the head outside a creche with his son in his hands, left with a phone in his pocket with two calls from his Mam.”

These lines confront the grim reality of violence while drawing a parallel to the erosion of working-class communities under the weight of capitalism, a theme Balfe explores throughout the album. His piercing lyric from ‘Mirror’ hits the point hard:

“If I’m going to bleed, then make me bleed with a blade that I can see.”

Yet, the album also balances its darkness with warmth and nostalgia. In ‘This Is Not The Place I Belong,’ Balfe recalls a simpler, loving scene:

“My grandfather, Sunday morning, tea in the pot and the fry is on.”

This push and pull between despair and hope culminates in ‘Of The Sorrows,’ where imagery of urban decay mingles with flashes of natural beauty before closing on a poignant refrain:

“I’ll never leave / I have to leave.”

Watch: For Those I Love – ‘Of The Sorrows’

An evocative performance from Carving The Stone capturing the album's emotional depth.

Balfe’s Steady Voice and Dynamic Production

Balfe’s thick Dublin accent grounds the album in realism. His delivery is conversational yet charged—never slipping into melodrama. For instance, on ‘Mirror,’ he lets frustration burst out with 14 repeated “cunts!” but immediately reins it back in, maintaining a controlled intensity throughout. The subtle shifts in his voice, from anger to resigned muttering, reveal the emotional layers beneath the surface, especially on the track ‘No Scheme.’

Musically, the album buzzes with life. Balfe’s production is as intricate as his lyrics, blending piano, warped drumkits, and bubbling synths into a fluid soundscape. The music adapts effortlessly—from the steady bass groove of ‘No Quiet’ to the thumping techno rhythms of ‘Mirror.’ His use of traditional Irish elements like samples of folk singer Neilí Ní Dhomhnaill and violin in ‘Of The Sorrows’ adds a haunting sense of place, rooting the album firmly in Irish culture.

A Life-Affirming Finale

The album closes on a note of resilience with ‘I Came Back To See The Stone Had Moved,’ where Balfe declares:

“I am proud of my own life.”

Despite the darkness and compromises detailed throughout the record, Carving The Stone ultimately feels life-affirming. Balfe’s love for Dublin imbues the album with hope—even when he admits the tough choices he’s made just to stay there. His clarity and heartfelt expression make this a powerful portrait of a city and the people who refuse to give up on it.

Album Details

Album artwork for ‘Carving The Stone’.

• Record label: September Recordings
• Release date: August 8, 2025

Wrapping Up: Is Dublin’s Pulse Stronger Than Its Pain?

Carving The Stone isn’t just an album—it’s a mirror held up to Dublin’s soul, reflecting the fractures, the fights, and the fleeting moments of joy. David Balfe’s work forces us to ask: can love for a place survive amid its pressures and perils? His answer is a resounding, complicated yes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What themes does ‘Carving The Stone’ explore?
  The album delves into urban struggles, violence, nostalgia, and the complexity of staying loyal to a changing city.
• How does David Balfe deliver his lyrics?
  Balfe uses a thick Dublin accent with a conversational, restrained style that conveys deep emotion without theatrics.
• What musical styles are featured on the album?
  The album blends electronic beats, traditional Irish folk elements, piano, and synth-driven melodies to create a unique soundscape.
• Is ‘Carving The Stone’ hopeful despite its dark themes?
  Yes, it balances harsh realities with moments of warmth and pride, culminating in a life-affirming declaration.
• Where can I listen to ‘Carving The Stone’?
  The album is available on all major streaming platforms and through September Recordings.

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