Dashboard Confessional

A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar

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Editor's Review:

A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar marks not only the ascension of Christopher Carrabba, aka Dashboard Confessional, to the position of mainstream pop icon, but also the addition of the term “emo” to the general lexicon of the masses; in fitting parlance, the emo Deathstar is now fully operational. And although he may be served well by his stunningly agreeable image and his opportune timing, backed by a full band and no longer limited to his trademark acoustic sound, Carrabba proves once and for all that it is his penchant for writing anthemic hooks and universally cathartic lyrics that has gotten him this far.
The album kicks off in fitting style; “Hands Down” — originally appearing on 2001’s So Impossible EP — sheds its former folksy acoustic jangle in favor of full-on electrified alt-rock; distorted guitars, layered harmonies and all. But unlike the previous Dashboard full-length, 2001’s The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most, which features mostly previous songs redone with the full band, A Mark featured only the one remake. The remainder of the cuts on the album are new, and it shows; Carrabba and his bandmates — especially drummer Mike Marsh — have finally found the chemistry that seemed lacking on earlier efforts. The mid-tempo sorrow of “Bend and Not Break” and the relatively heavy “Rapid Hope Loss” exhibit the new Dashboard; less a man and more a band. But Chris Carrabba is still the musical and emotional motor that drives this band. As he sings on “As Lovers Go,” “I’ll be true, I’ll be useful, I’ll be cavalier / I’ll belong to you if you let me through.” Be forewarned: it’s an offer that’s hard to resist.
– Daniel Taylor
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