Photo: Justine Trickett
In a month when the headlines are dominated by a dope-smoking, drag racing teen by the name of Justin, it was down to one man to restore some pride to Canadian music.
With hardcore giants Alexisonfire consigned to the history books, Dallas Green's City & Colour can no longer be described as merely a side project. Instead, Green commanded a a sold-out Hammersmith Apollo on Friday night.
Opening proceedings was a solid set from labelmate and rising star Hannah Georgas, whose atom spheroid, electronica-infused folk had a shade of Imogen Heap. With sweet and heartmelting vocals met with sharp infectious rhythms and inescapably charming melodies, here stands an artist that you need in your life. Swim the Atlantic to hear her if you have to (or just catch her when she plays The Great Escape in Brighton in May).
Shaking off any misconceptions that this was just Alexisonfire with an acoustic guitar, City & Colour took the stage to an a capella version of Soul II Soul's 'Back To Life', Before kicking off proceedings with 'Of Space And Time' from latest album 'The Hurry And The Harm'. Steeped in history, the Apollo is a throwback to a golden age.
While Dallas and his band of merry men are certainly more at home in venues of this stature, edgy and atmospheric versions of numbers like 'Grand Optimist' and 'As Much As I Ever Could' wouldn't be out of place at the O2 Arena, despite it's relatively sterile characteristics. Of course, Green gave a nod to his Post-punk roots with an acoustic version of Alexisonfire cult classic 'Boiled Frogs'. The stripped back version gave new meaning to the lyrics, vindication of Dallas' decision to go it alone, perhaps.
In a pause between songs, Green asks the audience to turn their 'cell phones' on and hold them in the air. But before we embark on a hollow 21st Century adaptation of the classic lighter held aloft, he says: "Now put them in your pocket. It's cold and wet outside, but tonight it's just you and me. Let's not share this moment with anyone else." It’s a commendable stance and one in keeping with this melodic folk outfit. What follows is a rendition of 'Body In A Box', with Dallas resplendent in a harmonica headset.
Despite Bieber's antics, there's an air of Canadian solidarity. After a muffled cry from someone in the front row, Dallas remarks on "things you just don't shout out at gigs", one being the often screamed request for Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Freebird'. We're requested to scream for Drake, instead. It's an apt foundation from which to launch into 'Coming Home', before showing that City & Colour can rock with the best of them with gritty, bass-fuelled versions of 'Thirst' and 'Fragile Bird'.
The set wraps up on a more relaxed note, with the romantic 'Beautiful Girl' and the somewhat melancholic 'Death's Song'. But Dallas Green set out what he meant to achieve and everyone leaving the Apollo was talking about Canada for all the right reasons.
Below: Check out our awesome and exclusive photos from the gig
