As Dashboard Confessional fan, I actually got into them the wrong way around, buying their newer albums before their earlier ones. Maybe I have therefore been cleverly eased into a fondness of the style that is Chris Carrabba, who knows. I would have to say that most people would probably prefer their latest work, encompassing a deeper musical dimension rather than acoustic guitar and a guy pouring his hurt out….however it grows on you!
If you haven't heard of Dashboard Confessional, they are an American indie rock band with an acoustic edge. Main man, Chris Carrabba, from Boca Raton, Florida, has written 5 albums (as well as this one), received an MTV2 award, for their song "Screaming Infidelities", and has produced soundtracks for Shrek 2 and Spider-Man 2. Originally acoustic based, the band has developed to encompass a stronger musical backing with each album, whilst keeping with Carrabba's raw lyrics, wonderful melodies and sublime harmonies.

Band Members
Chris Carrabba - vocals and guitar
John Lefler - guitar, vocals and keys
Scott Shoenbeck - bass and bassoon!
Mike Marsh - drums

I bought this CD two years ago off the much loved Amazon and effortlessly listened to it through out the first year of university (…and beyond…). Packed with emotion, you only need one good or bad moment to have an excuse to whack up the player to full volume and sing your lungs out, releasing everything!
"The Places You Come to Fear the Most" is the 2nd album from Dashboard Confessional, released in 2002. Based around the main man, Chris Carrabba, his voice and guitar, this album is almost solely acoustic. The songs combine intricate and subtle guitar lines which allow him to use the range of his voice to full effect. Although this may seem basic, I feel it smartly gives a raw feel to the music, working perfectly with the heartfelt lyrics. Fantastic harmonies add meaning to key lyrics and as always are very well thought out. The only "setback" I can think of with the album is its minimal use of musical backing. Then again, when present it is well used to add significance and power to the song. This makes the album what it is, by leaving out the depth to many of the songs the passion is exposed for all to see.
At just under 30 minutes long, this is a short but sweet album, which is easy to listen to all the way through without the desire to skip any of the songs.

Track 1 - Brilliant dance (3:03)
Was written in such a way as to put the listener into the actual time and place Carabba is singing about. This imagery reaches its peak during the second verse "The plaster dented from your fist, in the hall where you had your first kiss reminds you that the memories will fade." That line struck me as something of simple yet effective way to prepare his listeners to run the gauntlet of emotions on the album.

Track 2 - Screaming Infidelities (3:46)
Originally appeared on the band's first album "The Swiss Army Romance" but was also added to this album to become their breakout hit. An emotional, slightly sarcastic song, with strong lyrics of trying to forget a girl…
"Well, As for now I'm gonna hear the saddest songs
And sit alone and wonder
How you're making out
And as for me, I wish that I was anywhere with anyone
Making out."
The song makes beautiful use of the acoustic guitar and stretches Chris' voice to give the feeling of raw emotion.
Track 3 - Best Deceptions (4:15)
Starting quietly, this song builds for the chorus where there are pristine vocals, a catchy guitar line and clever lyrics. You can really feel the anger and angst in this song, tugging at your heart as you listen.
"I'd rather say nothing
I'd rather you never heard my voice.
You're calling too late too late to be gracious, you do not warrant long goodbyes."

Track 4 - This Ruined Puzzle (2:52)
This is about as close as this album gets to perfection. A beautifully relaxing song with ideal instrumental strings and vocal backing. The more you listen, the more you become addicted to its pleasures. Just what the doctor ordered!
"This basement is a coffin
I am buried alive
I am dying here just to be safe"

Track 5 - Saints and Sailors (2:33)
Lyrically this song is amazing. Again Carrabba uses intelligent lyrics to superimpose an image onto your brain and involve you in the song. It's the first song on the album with drums and backing guitar, which works well with adding definition.
"A walking open wound
A trophy display of bruises"

Track 6 - The Good Fight (2:27)
This is probably the harshest lyrical song, obviously hitting out at his ex, as well as things he wants to forget. However, this is cleverly covered by some upbeat guitar and drum lines creating a fast almost joyful song.

Track 7 - Standard Lines (2:27)
Back to acoustic guitar, Chris' vocals and a good use of instrumental strings, the lyrics in this song are enough to put you off balance. He uses his voice well to add power and extra feeling to the chorus.
"But your taste still lingers on my lips
Like I just placed them upon yours
And I starve for you
But this new diet's liquid
and dulling to the senses
And it's crude but it will do"

Track 8 - Again I Go Unnoticed (2:17)
This has got to be my favourite song from the album. The song boasts a fast, awkward time signature, creating an addictive, upbeat song that you want to hear over and over. Even though the song is acoustic, it almost feels as if there is more thanks to the superb lyrics and vocal harmonies.

Track 9 - Places that you have come to fear the most (2:56)
A fine mix of guitar strumming and plucking, works flawlessly with the vocals lines. Parts of the song are wonderfully enhanced with female backing vocals and as the song builds, Chris once again uses his voice to add the raw passion you feel oozing from you as you listen to the song.

Track 10 - This Bitter Pill (3:14)
As a perfect song to the album, this song leaves you standing. Chris Carrabba is able to combine an idyllic mix of both hushed, gentle and intense, forceful vocals to illustrate how he is/was feeling. Unite this with the encapsulating lyrics and you can't help yourself as you are dragged into the flow of the song, only to leave you with the silence as it ends.

From start to finish, I was captivated and although I had already heard most of Dashboard Confessional's work, I wasn't expecting such an emotional roller coaster. Then again, I can still easily listen to it now, either as a background song or a heartfelt sing along! The big fall of this album is its length. At less than 30 minutes, it is very short for a CD and really should be an EP, however, where it lacks in time, it makes up in quality. The songs are emotional and well written, however unless you are used to this type of music, it may be like jumping in the deep end. I would recommend checking out their two latest albums Dusk and Summer, A Mark A Mission A Brand A Scar first, and if you like it…who knows!
As everyone has different musical tastes, I cannot directly say you will like it, however I would say you should give it a try. Even though it may sound like the album for a teenager after a break-up from their first love, I believe almost anyone will be able to relate to it!

You can buy this album from the likes of HMV and Virgin, as well as online. Amazon currently sells it for £9.99 however I think this is because they have not updated their site. Amazon sellers start from £3.36.

Influences include:
Tom Petty
Springsteen
Neil Young
Pearl Jam

If you like this, then you may also like:
Jimmy Eat World
Angels and Airwaves
David Gray
Damian Rice

www.dashboardconfessional.com/

www.myspace.com/dashboardconfessional

Lyrics - www.azlyrics.com/d/dashboard.html