We Didn’t Say No 20 Years Ago

For Those I Love “Birthday/The Pain”

“Birthday/The Pain” is built on the ironic contrast of its chill and joyful Balearic beat production and the grim details of its semi-rapped vocals, performed in a gruff Irish accent. It’s not a new idea – this stuff is extremely “RIYL: The Streets” – but it still comes off as fresh as both the production and vocal are gripping and inspired. David Balfe’s lyrics are vivid and brutal, and very Irish in its romanticism and sentimentality. Even when his voice sounds blunt and dead-eyed, there’s no ignoring the big bleeding heart at the center of this track.

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