First reaching success as a vocalist for the post-hardcore early-2000’s band Alexisonfire, Canadian musician Dallas Green branched out with his own side project that had a unique folk-singer/songwriter alternative sound. He picked up the name City and Colour, released his first album “Sometimes” in 2005 and has been making music under the alias ever since.
In the midst of the painfully cold winter weather, City and Colour brought some much-needed warmth to St. Louis at The Pageant on Tuesday night, Jan. 26. Green stepped onto the simple, starry-lit stage holding his guitar, accompanied by his backup band. He began the night off with, “Woman,” the first song off of his latest album “If I Should Go Before You.” This nine-minute ballad started off the night right. Green’s flawless, breezy voice filled the room, and the crowd silently stood in awe, as we all knew we were in for a treat.
City and Colour sailed seamlessly through the next few songs, which included more of his newer work, with “Northern Blues” and “If I Should Go Before You.”
Green then played an old favorite “Hello, I’m in Delaware,” which he introduced as a “very slow and very sad song.” Even though the song is filled with heartbreak, I couldn’t help but smile as Green brought the beautiful melody to life.
Throwing a more up-beat track into the mix, “Wasted Love” got the crowd moving and dancing for the first time. The band really helped amp up the room by giving a great vibe with the drums and guitar.
While introducing his next song, “Lover Come Back,” Green checked in with the audience. He addressed the different crowds of the room. To those enjoying the show, he was grateful. If you weren’t, he was sorry and suggested at least you could grab a beer. That describes perfectly the type of person Green is. If you’re a fan, he appreciates you. And if you aren’t, he really doesn’t care. He’s not a guy craving attention; he honestly makes music because he wants to, not because he wants his name in lights.
Green next crooned to “We Found Each Other in the Dark.” The crowd swayed back and forth to this melodic tune, and I felt some nostalgia in this sweet song because it was the track that first introduced me to City in Colour back in 2011.
The last song Green played from his newest album was “Mizzy C.” This bluesy melody includes some of the best lyrics from the album: “I keep recycling stories from my youth that I’ve told before … If I try to change direction I might not find what I’m looking for, but this bitter disposition, will now must surely run its course.”
When City and Colour left the stage at the end of his set, the crowd that had remained quiet for most of the night in respect of the chill atmosphere finally let loose and cheered for more. Green thankfully came back, this time unaccompanied by his band, and played “Body in a Box,” which included a soulful harmonica solo, of course played by Green while he still strummed his guitar. “Northern Wind,” another perfectly written acoustic song, followed next, to the crowd’s surprise.
As Green tinkered with his guitar after it ended, someone in the crowd demanded him to play “The Girl.” To which Green simply replied with a smirk, “Im gonna.” The band returned and Green stuck to his promise, playing by far his most popular and adored song.
Many were moved to tears and the crowd loudly sang along. Green played one more song, “Hope for Now,” which perfectly ended the show. I left with all of the songs floating around in my head, and I am eagerly waiting until the next time I can see this hidden gem.
