By Isaiah Smith/entertainment editor
Dusk and Summer, the fourth studio album from Dashboard Confessional, takes lead singer Chris Carrabba in a new direction.
“ When I started recording for this last album, I decided I needed to explore that full sonic realm again,” he said in a press release.
“ And it’s not just because I’m using a full band. I write all the songs, rhythms and instrumentation. It’s just my taste as a writer now,” he said.
Former member of the bands Vacant Andys and Further Seems Forever, Carrabba formed Dashboard Confessional to take his music back to a softer, acoustic feel.
“ When I started Dashboard six years ago, I was reacting to these other bands I had been in,” he said in the release. “At the time, I needed something … simpler.”
Dusk and Summer maintains that softer edge while pulling in some rock influences.
“ Don’t Wait,” the first single off the album, has a surreal, dreamy feel. Carrabba has passionate vocals on this track; he is feeling the song. This track is very reminiscent of O by Damien Rice; they should do a duet sometime.
Dashboard Confessional is rounded out by guitarist John Lefler, bassist Scott Schoenbeck and drummer Mike Marsh.
The title track, “Dusk and Summer,” is a tender, vocally-driven track with impressive high notes and a lilting chorus—definitely a single. Lefler gives a great backing strum to the piece, soft and delicate, the perfect compliment to Carrabba’s vocals.
Counting Crows singer Adam Duritz performs a guest vocal on the track “So Long, So Long.”
“ Adam and I met at the Bridge School Benefit a few years ago,” Carrabba said. “We knew we were going to be doing something together at some point, and Adam suggested a song.”
Duritz and Carrabba harmonize well on the track. The music is ethereal; it will get stuck in your head.
Dusk and Summer has a relaxing, mellow cadence.
The music seems to ebb and flow like the ocean, as on the song “Currents.” This is a beautiful track that would make a great single. It brings to mind thoughts of young love and the ocean.
This is the first album by Dashboard Confessional since 2003’s million-selling A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar. Obviously, taking time to get the follow-up ready was worth it; Dusk and Summer has a sound all its own.
“ Heaven Here” is a memorable track with tons of replay value. The synthesizers and guitar create a futuristic, mellow feel.
“ I think for the next five to 10 years, I’ll still be finding my way,” Carrabba said in the press release. “I think everything is cyclical. I’ll be back to me and my guitar at some point, but hopefully people are embracing what I’m doing now … I’m just taking a different avenue to get there.”
Overall Dusk and Summer is pretty good although some of the tracks sound a little too alike.
I give it four stars. Dashboard Confessional should call its next album At the End of a Different Avenue—that would be so cool.
