Acoustic Dashboard strums a new tune

By Cameron Collins

There was a time when you could say Dashboard Confessional and no one would know what you are talking about. But thanks to two KSCU DJs and many trips to the Bay Area, Dashboard has become a mainstay in the music scene, even getting play on such major radio stations as KROQ in Los Angeles and playing on the Craig Kilborn Show.

It was on my way to a Weezer/Get Up Kids show in San Francisco that I first heard the angst-ridden bliss of Chris Carrabba and his guitar. From then on, fellow KSCU DJ Gwenivere and I pushed the band until all of the kids in the San Jose area had heard of the band and were heading out to the shows.

While Dashboard started out as one man and his guitar, on the latest album, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most, Chris got some musical help from Jolie Lindholm, lead singer of The Rocking Horse Winner, and Dan and Mike Marsh bass player and drummer for Seville.

The results are absolutely amazing, blending the genius of Carraba with the melodic stylings of the other members, although the acoustic guitar still remains at the center of it all.

The name of the band comes from the song "The Sharp Hint of New Tears."

The line "On the way home, this car hears my confessions" made the phrase Dashboard Confessional become easily a choice for the band's name.

Although it was just him and his guitar, Carraba didn't want to name his new act after himself because he wanted his fans to sing along and be a part of his performance. He thought a solo name would discourage his audience from being an integral part of the show.

Carraba and his new bandmates have been out touring constantly and expect to see them soon here in the Bay Area. On Nov. 21 they will be performing at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, so make sure you go check them out.

Although I'll be out of town, these guys are so good that I'll check them out in whatever town I am in when they are playing!

Listen to Grendel, the #1 DJ in Sillicon Valley as voted by Metro Readers, every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. on 103.3 FM KSCU Santa Clara.