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| Solo projects are inherently a risk.
Traditionally, few members of any prominent band have seen success in this sort
of undertaking, and even fewer have enjoyed both critical and commercial
success. Add to this the bizarre notion of creating stripped-down music that
doesn't even reference the original band's genre, and you certainly have less
examples of success to point to.
Until a couple of years ago, Dallas Green was better
known as the dulcet voice of Alexisonfire. The band's feverish live shows and
rabid fanbase quickly earned them the distinction of being one of the most
exciting and talked about bands in Canada.
During some time off between tours, Green assembled a
collection of songs he had been writing over the years. He released a very
limited pressing of the songs which he recorded using only acoustic guitar and
his plaintive voice. Something in these tracks resonated with people in a
completely unanticipated way. Not surprisingly, the songs found their way onto
the Internet where fans started passing them around. With none of the obvious
viral marketing that goes on now, there was a groundswell of interest in this
unassuming collection of compositions. It was becoming clear that there was
serious interest in what Dallas was creating. In 2005, Alexisonfire's sophomore
album went Platinum, the band won the Juno Award for New Group of the
Year, and Green quietly debuted his full-length
album titled Sometimes under the solo moniker, City and
Colour.
In a rare break between Alexisonfire
outings that year, City and Colour undertook a cross-Canada tour, performing in
intimate settings with only his guitar and a microphone. The same intimacy that
Green offered in his songs was offered to fans across Canada, resulting in long
line-ups for sold out shows. The fever soon spread across the Atlantic where
City and Colour played a sold-out Barfly tour in the U.K. Exceeding everyone's
expectations, Sometimes achieved Platinum
certification in 2006. Remaining sincere and affable, Green gave a heartfelt
performance at the 2006 MuchMusic Video
Awards, where City and Colour won the People's Choice Favourite Canadian Artist award. In 2007, Green performed live on the JUNOS, (Canada's Grammys), taking
home the award for Alternative Album of The
Year.
Released in March 2007, City and Colour
Live brought fans front row and center to
experience the memorable moments of his performances. The combo CD/DVD package
featured 13 heart-wrenching live tracks including a unique performance on piano
of Alexisonfire's fan-favourite "Happiness by the
Kilowatt"
Bring Me Your Love is City and Colour's sophomore studio album. It evolves and adds
layers to the sentiments in those vulnerable moments shared by Green on his
original independent release. Co-produced by Dan Achen (Junkhouse) and recorded
at Catherine North Studio in Hamilton, the first song "Forgive Me" opens with
footsteps on a wood floor, the whirling of a nearby fan, and the rustling of
Green picking up his acoustic guitar and sitting on a leather chair to perform
on the former altar of this church-turned-studio. Every instrument used in the
recording is "pre-loved", vintage gear complementing the warmth and honesty of
Green's compositions - an intentional approach to capture the essence and
intimacy of how records used to sound. Instruments and vocals were carefully
recorded live off the floor, giving the songs depth and intimacy, and eschewing
the cut-and-paste approach that is so common in today's recordings. The album
feels like a throwback to the days when an album's thrills and beauty were found
not just in exceptional songs and musicianship, but also in its blemishes and
simplicity.
Bring Me Your Love delivers Green's signature delicate vocals
accompanying another set of candid musings, which continue to articulate his
engaging perspective on love and life. It rings with frames of beautiful melody
surrounding meaty indie, folk-rock landscapes. Gordon Downie (The
Tragically Hip) adds his distinctive vocals to "Sleeping Sickness" and
appearances by friends and label mates Dan Romano and Spencer Burton
(Attack in Black) are a reminder that these are an entirely new
collection of songs, written during a very prolific year. Green continues to
demonstrate his talents as a musician, singer and songwriter moving comfortably
and seamlessly between City and Colour and his role anchoring a successful
post-hardcore band. The dozen tracks on Bring Me Your Love
are a beautiful insight into the quieter side of a legitimate artist.
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Michael McCarty
