If I Should Go Before You marks the fifth studio album for Dallas Green, under alias City & Colour – not bad for the on-again, off-again (and on-again, again), side project of this alexisonfire vocalist.
Completely different, in almost every way to the hardcore, screamo recordings of his long time band, City & Colour has remained consistently brooding in its blues-rock-folk-acoustic fusion. If I Should Go Before You is no exception – an unplugged, raw and honest record.
What might seem a natural progression, Dallas recorded the album with his bandmates fresh off a live tour, adding to the theatre and a gruffness that comes with familiarity. With often moody bass, cheerful country percussion and guitar, and Dallas’ quivering vocals, the album journeys through the farmhouse and onto a soul train – a beautiful blend of all the best he can offer as a musician.
The title track, a love song written as his wife’s request, is probably the most indie tune on the record – lacking the deep bass and chipper string accompaniment of other tracks, and instead relying on some beautifully heartbreaking lyrics to draw you in – ‘If I should go before you, Into the great unknown, I’ll leave my ghost right beside you, You won’t have to wait alone’.
I also really enjoyed ‘Lover Come Back’. A catchy chorus, a little bit like a calmer Florida Georgia Line, repetitive and relatable – this track is probably the most universally likeable.
The first track, a ten-minute massive introduction, was actually originally an over-indulgent 30 minutes, which Dallas decided to cut back in the later stages. It’s wonderful musically, and again beautiful, albeit slightly depressing and thought provoking lyrically.
Overall, If I Should Go Before You is an easy listening, easygoing album. With no really massive highs nor any lulls – it’s beautifully executed blues and folk by a master of his craft.
7/10
Reviewer: Marley Tinnock