Live Review: City & Colour, Little May

The splendid setting of Red Hill Auditorium isn't lost on opening act Little May as the band state "This is so beautiful, we're very lucky to be here." The warm harmonies of the trio grasp the early crowd with Bow & Arrow and Hide drawing particular highlights. Seemingly nervous at the vastness of the venue, there are some bashful and slightly awkward banter moments that aren't without their charm, though their reception is clear as the rolling beats of Dust light the floor up.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what is missing during the opening of City & Colour's headline slot. Perhaps it's the noticeably silent crowd, the multiple foldback issues for main man Dallas Green or potentially it is just an off night for the band — nonetheless, the atmosphere is entirely absent. Sonically, the five-piece are outstanding, with low pulsing beats brought to dramatic conclusion for Woman, and the crooning vocals of Killing Time dazzling to hear, but they seem to do little to inspire the band and crowd alike.

Thankfully, as Hello, I'm In Delaware's slide guitar drawls echo through the surrounds and the rich three-part harmony soars, the night clicks. Green smiles as he thanks a punter for naming their cat after him. It is interesting to see just how much the attendees hang on his character — the more Green loses himself in the show, the more everybody else does too. Introducing Mizzy C as "a song about just trying not to be such a miserable cunt" spreads laughter amongst his followers. While the setlist remains heavily slanted towards their most recent album, their soulful rides and up-tempo choruses match perfectly against the backdrop of heartfelt favourites such as The Grand Optimist. City & Colour may have inadvertently threatened to give a lifeless night, but end up giving us a powerful performance with incredibly sharp musical intent.