City and Colour – Bring Me Your Love

Bring Me Your Love – City and Colour

BY CHRIS PEKEN

My we are cheerful and positive this week aren’t we’ Well we are in terms of title if not content, as for all its passion and energy, Bring Me Your Love leans heavily on the side of introspection. This is the second solo album for Canadian outfit City and Colour (aka Dallas Green of Alexisonfire). Unlike the post-harcore Alexisonfire, City and Colour sees Green explore his (much) quieter side, albeit with a vigor and confidence that was only hinted at on his previous solo outing. Sleeping Sickness is the album’s highlight; a gentle beginning builds, with help from the Tragically Hip’s Gordon Downie, to a foot-stompin’, hand-clapping finish. Green has an ethereal voice, but one that is both tender and confident, not confusing volume for strength. Recorded live in the studio, that organic and flawed nature suits Green’s intimate stylings; stylings that are winning him adoring fans on both sides of the genre divide he straddles with increasing assurance. Note to self: must visit Canada sooner rather than later.

*** ½