Emo Icon Chris Carrabba returns to the CD shelves once again, with the release of Dashboard Confessional’s newest release, “The Shade of Poison Trees.”
“Poison Trees” is the band’s fifth full-length release, following up on the rather dull 2006 album, “Dusk and Summer.”
The album pays homage to the band’s earlier sound, straying from its more recent electric, full band style. The 12-track album is all acoustic, much like when the band first hit it big with its song, “Screaming Infidelities.”
The first single “Thick as Thieves” is the perfect example of what to expect from the album: short, acoustic driven songs with some of the catchiest refrains the band has produced.
Many long-term fans voiced negative reactions to the band’s last release, which held a heavier sound. It clearly proved that Dashboard Confessional thrives best when writing with just a pen, acoustic guitar, and Carrabba’s distinct powerful voice.
With “The Shade of Poison Trees,” the first song alone is enough to award this album one of the best of 2007. The opening song, “Where There’s Gold…,” is such a beautifully written song, it will make all the hairs on your body stand.
Not every song on the album is as perfect, however. The track “Fever Dream” is a complete dud. And this is coming from a hardcore Dashboard fan. There is nothing appealing about the song, and the electronic drums added to it are pointless.
Carrabba is currently on tour supporting the new album, playing stripped down sets in small intimate venues. Attendees at the shows will also be able to purchase Carrabba’s “The Wire Tapes” CD, an exclusive 11-track cover album, only available at his concerts this fall.
Overall, “The Shades of Poison Trees” is an incredibly impressive album. It makes up for the total letdown of the band’s previous album, “Dusk and Summer.” Old school fans of Dashboard will enjoy this CD, as well as any fan of the acoustic genre.
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