Canadian vocal sensation City and Colour will headline at the Pearl Street Ballroom this Saturday night at 8 p.m., with South Texan quartet Hacienda opening the show.
City and Colour, otherwise known as Dallas Green, is the former front man of post-hardcore band Alexisonfire. Green emerged over the past decade with an acoustic sound that borders on the ethereal fringes of neo-folk and alt-country, a stark departure from the aggressive tastes of his former band.
However, Green’s current work is far from weightless. Topics on his latest album include broken relationships, loneliness and the pain of watching loved ones suffer the “little hells” of everyday life. The singer’s spectacular voice injects a redemptive quality into City and Colour’s songs, turning depression into resolve and despair into delight.
City and Colour represents Green’s understanding that singing is a convenient and therapeutic method of coping with life’s problems; he expertly capitalizes on that outlet.
Green first adapted the City and Colour moniker in the early 2000s as an alternative to Alexisonfire. The singer released several singles via the Internet before garnering significant praise with his first full-length album, released in 2005, titled “Sometimes.” Green released a string of EPs and live recordings between his solo pursuits and band commitments.
The musician then released the album “Bring Me Your Love” in 2008 and this year’s LP titled “Little Hell,” which reveals Green’s growing ambitions. “Little Hell” features the signature City and Colour stunning vocal and guitar combination, but with the additional sounds of a full band.
Opening for City and Colour is the San Antonio-based band Hacienda. This group consists of three brothers and a cousin who are well-versed in the Beach Boys, the Everley Brothers, and the Band. Hacienda seeks not to emulate 1960s rock and soul music but to reproduce the emotion associated with that music, namely happiness. Starting out as family members with similar musical tastes, the band mates have come a lot further than playing in their garage. Hacienda caught the eye of The Black Keys singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach, who acted as their tour guide to success. Auerbach has produced all three of Hacienda’s live albums.
To hear City and Colour’s strong vocals and to experience Hacienda’s alternative rock feel, head to Northampton on Saturday for a lively evening of fun. Tickets are still available for $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Patrick Tenero can be reached at [email protected].
