Famous for such morose lines as “Save your scissors for someone else’s skin“, City And Colour has earned a well deserved reputation as, well, a bit of a downer.
With The Hurry And The Harm, however, songwriter Dallas Green maintains his iconic attitude while lifting the beat of his songs, thus creating an entirely more enjoyable listening experience.
Of the record’s 12 tracks, each could stand alone as a powerful single. Catchy tunes aren’t Green’s strong point – or rather, they aren’t his ambition- but this album churns out some unforgettable one liners.
Keeping in the spirit of previous releases, one such hard-hitting song is ‘Harder Than Stone’, which boasts the angsty line, “I thought that I could rule the world… Then I grew up.”
Despite a continuation of somewhat depressing lyrics, it’s not hard to imagine Green singing these tracks with a smile on his face.
It’s a more mature, sophisticated sound that feels almost lighter on the ears. Gone are the days of appealing to the emo crowd, with this latest release catering to more of a quiet, folk audience.
Later in the album, ‘Ladies And Gentlemen’ leaves a haunting impression, slowing things right down and going much more ambient as themes of restless souls are crooned in the background. Guess old habits die hard.
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This much-awaited record does not disappoint. There’s something for old-school fans, however a more approachable tone to this new music will surely attract a fresh new crowd to Green’s beautiful poetry-over-guitar sound.
