Dashboard Confessional

Dashboard Confessional - A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar

At first listen, the only thing I could think of is: “This isn’t your normal Dashboard Confessional.” Is that a bad thing? Not unless you’re expecting the exact same thing as Places You Have Come to Fear the Most. If you’re expecting that same kind of sound or style, you’ll be sad beyond belief. However, as different as this record is, it’s not that bad.

Let’s go ahead and talk differences. The first noticeable difference is that the band is used on almost every song and every song sounds like it’s written for the band. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, DC is now a band, not just good old Chris. There are now two dimensions that you have to keep in mind, so from now on, please refer to Dashboard Confessional as the band and Chris Carrabba as the individual Also, there is a mood swing in the new songs. “Chris, what happened to the break up songs? Where is all the screaming in lament?” Kids, this new record is more upbeat. It sings of things to come or the birth of a relationship instead of the tragic ending of a relationship. The last noticeable difference is that the band swings on this record. Not in a Brian Setzer-esque way, but it does take on a real groove that the band’s other work has lacked.

Alright, let’s dive into the tracks. The bottom line is: Most of the tracks on this baby move. They have a very upbeat tempo and you’re seriously wondering if they wrote everything on speed! Most of the tracks embody this happy emotion and dispel every myth that Carrabba and co. are depressed. Our boys in DC don’t leave us hanging for the whole record. There are a few songs that take us back to those beloved Places... and So Impossible sessions. You know, the good old days of crying and wailing - missing that ex-girlfriend, or glad she’s gone because she broke your heart - yeah, those good old days. If I had to recommend any track as the best, I would say track six, "Ghost of a Good Thing." Why? Simple; its tells a good story about letting go and moving on in life. It may truly be an epic song from our friends in Dashboard Confessional.

Production-wise, this is the first record the band has done without famed Florida producer, James Paul Wisner. I think that every band from Florida, minus Denison Marrs have used Wisner once or twice in the past. Who knows why JPW wasn’t given the call on this one, but producer Gil Norton, does a bang-up job on the new record. In case maybe the name Gil Norton doesn’t ring a bell, let me go through a shortened version of this guy’s resume for you. Foo-Fighters, the Pixies, DelAmitri, James, Counting Crows and Belly, just to name a few. Norton is no stranger to the control room, and quite frankly, he gives us a great record. The sound on this one is almost perfect, however, the mix is poor. Sometimes you lose the vocals in the mix, which is a big no-no for a band who’s image has been dictated by the lyrical content of each song. Shame on you! But don’t worry, Norton should have a gold record on his hands in no-time.

Overall, A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar is a great record. It’s a new adventure for the guys in Dashboard Confessional. New sound, new producer and a smash record. Personally, I think the guys hit their pinnacle moment with the So Impossible EP, but if you can look past that original styling of just Chris and his guitar, you’ll embrace this record even more. The only low to this album is that with the new upbeat sound, DC seem to have taken that “sing-along” aspect out of their music. The best part to early DC shows was standing there wailing with Chris and singing along to every word. I'm not sure if the new songs will allow the fans to be such participants in the live sets. But hey, you always have to sacrifice to grow.

I give this record an 8 out of 10. It’s good; not great, but good. Pick it up if you’re a fan. If you’re not a fan because you don’t like the screaming and the whining, then this record is for you!

By: Brad Gross - Contributing Writer

September 1, 2003