Dashboard Confessional – ‘A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar’

A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar
Release Date: August 12, 2003
Vagrant Records | buy now

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What a difference a band makes.

For longtime fans who identify Dashboard Confessional solely as Chris Carrabba, an emotional songwriter who gives his all to anyone who will listen, there may be some early skepticism at first hearing his latest, titled A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar. Without question, Dashboard, which is now a full-fledged band (A quartet made up of Chris, along with Scott Schoenbeck, John Lefler, and Mike Marsh – the latter being the only member who had previously been credited on a Dashboard LP), has grown tremendously since The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most.

The opening track, "Hands Down," which was used in one of the opening scenes during the pilot episode of the WB’s hit drama "One Tree Hill," definitely sets the tempo off right with its powerful lyrics telling the story of a young man in love and how he spent "the best day (he) can ever remember." It’s with this one track alone that fans of Dashboard can see just how much of a difference a band makes (An acoustic version of this track was previously released on the "So Impossible" EP in 2001).

The second track, "Rapid Hope Loss" takes a more conventional Dashboard approach with it’s dark, yet heartfelt lyrics, and is sure to please the mainstays. However, it is on the third and fifth tracks that this album really begins to separate itself from both its predecessors and its contemporaries. No longer stuck in the dark place that his fans grew to love him in, Carrabba expresses genuinely innocent and hopeful affection on "As Lovers Go" and goes a step further by spewing the incredibly uplifting lyrics heard on "Bend and Not Break." In a darker, but similar fashion, the final cut on the album, "Several Ways To Die Trying," is very identifiable for those who feel as though they are on an endless journey to find themselves.

For those who had previously written Dashboard off as "too whiny" and "too emo," I advise you to give A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar an honest listen as you may find yourself surprised at the versatility on display here. Whether mending a broken heart or looking for inspiration for future endeavors, it’s safe to say that there is something for everyone on this album.

Standout Tracks: "Hands Down", "As Lovers Go", "Bend and Not Break", "Ghost of A Good Thing", "Several Ways To Die Trying".

- Christopher Griffin

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