Canadian crooner Dallas Green (aka City and Colour) returns to serenade Australia once more.
Returning to my second home, Brisbane's iconic The Riverstage, on a balmy afternoon (14 January) sets the stage for an enchanting evening with City and Colour.Maybe a rolling mountain range or softly breaking seaside might improve it ever-so-slightly, however a slowly setting sun leading into a full moon through a lightly clouded sky ensured the vibe was right on point.
Dallas Michael John Albert Green aka City and Colour has graced our girt shores over a dozen times both as a (pseudo)soloist, and as a member of (that introduced so many of us elder-emos to Green's angelic voice and emotional cadence) Alexisonfire.
Green first rose to fame as part of post-hardcore icons Alexisonfire, touring Australia eight times, before amicably parting ways in 2011-2012 (before the band reunited in 2015) to pursue his growing solo project.
Now, with respect and homage paid to this incredibly talented individual's illustrious history pulling on the heartstrings and inciting energy alike, depending on the time, place and creative avenue; we can focus on the present, and the future, as Green urged us to do later in the evening during his performance.
In support of Green's untitled 2025 Australian tour following up from the 2023 release of his seventh studio album, 'The Love Still Held Me Near', Green has enlisted both Australian alt-rock, singer-songwriter sweetheart Alex Lahey, and one of the modern-era powerhouses of Americana, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats as the tour's support acts.
Alex Lahey - image © Bill Prendergast
Green undeniably has an eye for talent (shock-horror), and a knack for selecting tour packages as this line-up seems to be a near-perfect selection in both complementary sounds, messages and ethos; and variety to ensure that energies whilst laid-back, emotional and subdued, were still high.
Lahey opens the evening with an energy that I was not suspecting. With a short but sweet, high-energy set showcasing a handful of her crowd-favourites, the talent of this Melbournite who has been active on the touring circuit for over a decade presents a masterclass in fantastic songwriting, delivery and energy – which should come as no shock to those familiar with her extensive co-writing and production resume, imaginative covers and recreations (hello 'Welcome To The Black Parade' Like A Version cover), and numerous industry awards.
Lahey is a phenomenal performer in her own right, exemplified through the homely and familiar (almost pub-rock-feeling) set. Her set showcased her dynamic range from raw, near-punk rolls yells, through to the sweet and refined vocal delivery; both of which are synonymous with her repertoire from fans.
Moving into Nathaniel Rateliff & The Sweet Nights (while the sun was still peeking over the trees reaching up to the skies – you've got to love a stellar Queensland afternoon coming to the party), the eight-piece (yes, you read, counted that correctly) outfit hailing from Denver, Colorado, stormed the stage delivering their unique, energetic, vibrant blend of folk, Americana, and vintage rhythm & blues.
As what began as a last-ditch effort to find success as a musician before throwing in the towel, Rateliff & the Night Sweats are an example of why, regardless of the path taken or time taken to reach the destination, dedication, talent, and authenticity will always find its way most of the time, receiving the recognition and adoration it deserves.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - image © Bill Prendergast
Rateliff and co. rose to acclaim with the release of 2015's viral hit 'S.O.B.', and without surprise, fans were swinging, swaying, and singing along to clapped hands and a high-energy, big-band delivery of Rateliff.
While not an artist or genre to make this reviewer's personal regular rotation, there is something undeniable about eight talented, energised, and symbiotic individuals contributing to a sonic display that was impossible to find yourself not tapping a foot along to. Having entered a sceptic, I've left a fan, with a defined time and place where this talented cohort will re-enter my playlist (likely during a rambunctious event of consuming several cold, crisp adult beverages).
After what felt like hours – solely due to the anticipation and excitement that had built up over the last several days for this reviewer – it was time for the man of the hour to step afoot the stage and without a doubt, bring a tear or two to the eye.
I've been wracking my memory banks for days to attempt to determine whether I've had the pleasure of experience Mr. Green in his solo form before, however do distinctly recall receiving a message from a friend commenting at seeing a smile from ear to ear the last time I saw Alexisonfire ('Boiled Frogs' to be specific) perform (also at The Riverstage), and I'd be lying if I pretended this man absolutely and has consistently had a key to my heart for over a decade.
City and Colour - image © Bill Prendergast
In what truly could easily become a thesis to the superstardom of Dallas Green and City and Colour, plagued with tragedy, sadness, hope, and acceptance alike; to accurately capture these emotions in words, particularly to those who may not have as deep of an emotional connection to his art as I, would be monumental and win me absolutely zero thanks from my editor (sorry, Gaz).
With a 20-year history, I knew I was never going to hear renditions of all of my favourite deep cuts, OG classics, and heartbreak anthems; however Green and his four backing band members phenomenally captured a two-decade catalogue across a short time.
To my surprise and honestly, disappointment, there was quite a lack of tunes from Green's 2005 debut album 'Sometimes', with an unsurprising focus on both 'The Love Still Held Me Near', and the five releases in-between.
Green, who has candidly spoken on a number of his creative drivers (at least in broad, open-to-interpretation and vague hyperbole), has said his most recent release was born out of "unimaginable loss", and the associated grief and heartache attached themes that are familiar across a large proponent of his catalogue.
City and Colour has never been an act for the faint of heart, which is quite a conflicting sentiment when considering their easily-digested style and non-abrasive tone. However, as anyone who has given their music's lyrics a read can determine, some, if not all of the most upbeat of their songs are often masking heavy and sombre lyricism, themes and emotions; but that's what I (at least) love about the music that Green creates.
City and Colour - image © Bill Prendergast
There's a beauty in the sadness, the acceptance of mortality and the existence within a finite environment, and while battling and coming to terms with this may result in some tears being shed and sniffling of the nose, for this reviewer at least, there is a catharsis in confronting these emotions and allowing Green to act as a guide through the sharing of his own experiences to find companionship in.
Green entered the stage with a minimalist set design, being swept away in a sea of pink and purple haze as he commenced 'After Disaster', and maintained a low-key production throughout the entire evening, letting the music and, more so, his iconic voice carry the performance.
Moments throughout songs such as 'Astronaut' reminded this reviewer of the style, delivery and overarching theme of some of the most iconic classic rockers throughout history, and while Green may not ever quite reach that stature, it is evident he draws inspiration from those before his time.
City and Colour - image © Bill Prendergast
As previously mentioned, to ignore my small disappointment in not being treated to some more songs from his earlier releases (such as 'Comin' Home', 'Save Your Scissors', or 'Day Old Hate'), hearing Green introduce 'Mizzy C' by sharing the song was written when he was a "miserable c...", and now being a "more joyful c...", there is likely some past wounds or emotions that may no longer serve Green to reminisce on and in turn, perform. In saying that, a lively rendition of 'Sleeping Sickness' during the encore nearly made up for it.
If you haven't fallen in love with City and Colour after two decades, perhaps it's time to let Dallas Green's voice guide you into a world where sadness and beauty walk hand-in-hand through life together, grounding, supporting, and consoling each other.
More photos from the concert.
