So Impossible EP

by

Dashboard Confessional and Jerry Castellanos

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While his two previous releases, Swiss Army Romance and The Places You Have Come to Feel The Most, have been staples of emotional acoustic rock, Chris Carrabba's (Dashboard Confessional) new EP is the apex of his career so far. Unfortunately a short collection of songs, these four tracks were recorded before his current headlining tour with his new back up band (members of Seville and indie rock legend Dan Hoerner of Sunny Day Real Estate).

In a personal preference, this CD shows Carrabba's depth and growth as a songwriter and lyricist. In his previous releases, he stuck with 2 main guitar tunings (Db sus2 and standard) and sung in a loud, declarative fashion. His lyrics, though descriptive and personal, never really deviated emotionally. On the new EP he has managed to expand his musical and lyrical depths. Songs such as "For You to Notice" and "Hands Down" demonstrate his new-found penchant for description and song writing skills. The addition of Dan Hoerner to the band has made a dramatic difference: Dan's presence allowed more depth in the music and a second guitar, bringing in a second melody line throughout most of the songs.

In short, it's my favorite Dashboard Confessional release to date. For the casual listener it's extremely catchy and easily his most accessible music to date, along with his best. Most fans should be satisfied with it and the new listeners will find this his most enjoyable piece of music to date. In short, pick this up.