Dallas Greens third spectacle in his career as City and Colour is nothing short of inspiring. By spectacle of course, I refer to his recently released compilation of wondrous compositions, effectively titled ‘Little Hell’. 

From my very purchase of the new album, it was just the beginning of the journey that the record has taken me in these last few weeks. At a first listen, it was hard to decipher whether it’s the same music I fell for throughout the course of the first two records ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Bring Me Your Love’. However as I grew ever more sunk into the record, I shortly came to realize its very much the same Dallas as always, he has but adapted and grown in all musical and songwriting aspects. As I listened more and more to each song, I began to relate even further to the record than I have even with the past two, and I’m sure I can speak for the majority of Greens followers when I state this. With songs such as ‘Northern Wind’, a brutally honest and humble song of love, to ‘Fragile Bird’ the first Single off the album and inevitably the most diverse track, it’s a journey well worth the experience. 

The blues influence and touch of soul in this record has hooked me from beginning till end. With tracks such as ‘Weightless’ and ‘At The Birds Foot’, it’s a voice not yet heard from Dallas till now. The monstrous solo that breaks in during ‘Hope For Now’ was frankly shivering, whilst the slow country western influence in ‘Sorrowing Man’ is equally relaxing. Dallas has expanded himself and his music both emotionally and practically in his latest achievement, going from simple acoustic performances in his last couple records to now full band instrumentation throughout the bulk of the record. A few simple acoustic tracks still remain however and are unquestionably in keeping, and in touch, with the nature of City and Colour at its most vulnerable and best. 

The use of slide guitar with an impeccable mix of reverb in some tracks such as ‘Natural Disaster’ give such a spacious preciousness that is ever so endearing whilst the overwhelming organ that breaks in during ‘Sorrowing Man’ is altogether a desirably authentic and passionate work of art. 

In the short documentary that comes with the deluxe edition of the disk, Dallas understands that people relate to most music due to the emotional period of their life that they may experience at most points in their life, and as he has taken this record to an emotional place that he is in his life, some people may not be able to relate to it. He is ok with the fact that a lot of fans may not like his new record merely due to the fact that he has undertook a different aspect to his music. This is why I respect Dallas not only as a musician, but also as a man, and is the very reason I will forever continue to listen to his music.

Dallas sure has taken a leap of faith with the fans in this record, however its faith that we have always held. Whether your a City and Colour follower or not, there is always something there hidden in the midst of the music’s emotion that you will relate to, and it is that which you will forever fall in love with. 

Little Hell is a must listen and a must experience. 

Much Love,

Lee