7/10

Having just reformed his most famous band Alexisonfire, frontman Dallas Green is looking to become extremely busy once again as we move into the new year. But before all that starts again, he has managed the time to release another City And Colour album, and from the initial listens, it seems that getting back in front of a band was inevitable.

The City And Colour project had always been a release for Green. From usually screaming his heart out to a post-hardcore backdrop, his solo work was a chance for him to mellow out and showcase a whole new side to his talents. And while this new album is a continuation of that ethos, there is this running atmosphere throughout the record that seems he is yearning to get louder once again. With more of a band feel to this release, 'If I Should Go Before You' feels more like a group effort than one man at the front, and it is that vibe that makes it such a welcoming release.

It may not have the same instant impact of some of his earlier work but still manages to highlight his brilliant voice and finesse for interesting and captivating songwriting. Let's just hope this isn't the last we hear from him for a while.