The Fillmore Charlotte came alive with the indie rock sounds of Dashboard Confessional this past Tuesday evening as the band made a recent tour stop in the Queen City. The four piece band led by vocalist and guitarist Chris Carrabba are out on the road in support of their latest studio album “Crooked Shadows” and brought their emotionally charged live show with them.
As the venue lights went out, the night started out quietly as frontman Carrabba took the stage by himself. Guitar in hand, he addressed the fans stating that he was going to start things off with just us and asked the crowd, who roared in appreciation, if that was okay. Chris kicked things off with a poignant version of “So Impossible” before the full band came out for “Don’t Wait” and the emotional ride had begun.
Dashboard’s set was full of both tender moments and rocking good times amongst a bevy of beautiful, color changing lights that spun down on the stage as well as the audience up front. Drummer Chris Kamrada’s kit was positioned on a riser toward the back of the stage surrounded by various lights as he kept a steady pace which ranged from driving rock to a subtle swing depending on the song. Sonically, Dashboard sounded amazing with a rich, full sound that washed over the venue. Carrabba’s vocals ranged from elegant to a barely there whisper to soaring choruses as he handled both with style and ease. Lead guitarist Armon Jay provided sizzling leads at one point dropping to his knees metal style sending the fans into a frenzy while bassist Scott Schoenbeck is a force to be reckoned with as he slung his bass while twisting and jumping as his hair flew and blocked his face for most of the night.
The energy level in the venue was high and it was clear that the songs held special meanings for those in attendance who were treated to a personal experience resulting in a very intimate show even in a larger venue. Carrabba took the time to thank the audience for their support saying how lucky the band was to have come back from a hiatus in 2015 and have a second chance to do it all again. Cellphones were lit up as hands swayed in the air for “Ghost of a Good Thing” and the exquisite “Heart Beat Here.” Before launching into “We Fight,” Carrabba spoke briefly about the recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School. Living not too far from Parkland, Florida, Chris explained how some of the students are using the song at their rallies against gun violence and that he was both honored and touched urging the fans to fight for change. Crowd favorite “Vindciated” closed out the set before Dashboard returned for an encore performance of “Hands Down.”
It was a night nobody would forget as Dashboard Confessional gave the performance of a lifetime playing with unsurpassed power and passion. Be sure to experience it for yourself when they make a stop in a city near you.
Set List:
So Impossible
Don’t Wait
The Good Fight
Catch You
Saints and Sailors
As Lovers Go
The Best Deceptions
Belong
Ghost of a Good Thing
Heart Beat Here
We Fight
Screaming Infidelities
Stolen
Vindicated
Encore:
Hands Down
We would like to thank Sarah Goldstein from Roadrunner Records for the credentials to review the show.
