★★★★☆
City And Colour’s first album was a collection of folk tunes – sparse songs that were in direct opposition to the post-hardcore intensity of Dallas Green’s main band, Alexisonfire.
On his fifth album, however, he opens with one of his heaviest (and best) songs to date, the prog rock-influenced ‘Woman’ that clocks in at over nine minutes.
It’s hard to connect City And Colour with anyone apart from Green, but this album features more full-band arrangements than ever before. Green’s trusted touring band, including members of The Dead Weather, Spanish Gold and Constantines, is just as essential to the record as the frontman’s falsetto.
The album was recorded in Nashville, and a Southern influence hangs in the air. ‘Mizzy C’ and ‘Lover Come Back’ bring in the blues and soul, and combined with instantly catchy choruses, stand among the strongest tracks on the record.
If I Should Go Before You is the strongest release from Dallas Green in years. It’s a coming of age for City And Colour as a band, not just as a solo effort or side project.
City And Colour’sIf I Should Go Before Youis The BRAG Indie Album Of The Week and out through Dine Alone/Cooking Vinyl.
