City and Colour at The Olympia, Dublin, 22nd January 2014

As the lights went down in the Olympia last Wednesday night, City and Colour made their highly anticipated début in the Dublin venue. The second night in a five week string of shows around Ireland, the crowd roared when Dallas Green and Co made their appearance.

Launching straight into the much-loved favourite Of Space And Time, the band looked to be thoroughly engaged with their new-found audience. Their last Dublin appearance found them supporting the iconic Biffy Clyro at The O2 in 2013. A supporting slot that seemed a little out of their comfort zone. At this headline show, they seemed to feel right at home.

It’s safe to say that Dallas Green has come a long way from his days with Alexisonfire. The formation of City and Colour has served him well. During the impressive hour and 40 minute set, spectators were taken on what was nothing short of a spectacular music journey from ‘Sometimes’ to ‘The Hurry And The Harm’.

From start to finish, the crowd were enthralled. No song was left unsung by the sold-out crowd. Dallas Green displayed what may only be described as first-class skill and diversity, as spectators were taken through a historical back-catalogue of his solo work to date. Everything from his distinctive vocal tone to his extraction of influences from prog-rock to folk music stunned and amazed. Onlookers were under no illusion that Dallas Green and Co had found themselves at the pinnacle of their musical ability.

Dallas Green is sure to leave a legacy in his wake. The fans show his story, from old to young, those who followed him from his earliest days with Alexisonfire to those who jumped on for the ride as City and Colour burst onto the scene. His appreciation did not go unnoticed. He injected friendly banter alongside an aura of humility in his interactions with the crowd.

Simply put, Dallas Green and Co are sure to leave the same mark on Europe as they have already done across Canada and the United States. With such a breathtaking live performance on their first headline tour in Ireland, it won’t be long until the fans and critics alike are demanding their presence again.