Dashboard Confessional @ PerthConcert Hall (10/09/06)

Thu 14th Sep, 2006 in Gig Reviews

Melodic rock outfit Antiskeptic was the chosen support for Dashboard Confessional’s Australian tour. As the Melbourne boys took to the stage, doubts started to arise about the choice of venue â€” the energetic trio was rocking out on stage to what was virtually a stationary, seated audience. Even so, their solid set was met with heavy applause, with popular single Dancing On the Inside emerging as a firm highlight.

Initial concerns about the venue were put to rest as Dashboard walked onto the stage, frontman Chris Carrabba immediately inviting the audience to stand. Like faithful minions, all rose as the excitement in the atmosphere manifested in the enthusiastic murmurs and eager faces of the crowd.

Despite some technical difficulties with Carrabba’s earpiece which troubled him for the first few songs, the band steadily rolled into action, opening with the closing track from new album Dusk and Summer, Heaven Here. A lively rendition of Rooftops and Invitations was to follow as the band quickly swung into gear.

Where once Dashboard Confessional meant Chris Carrabba and his guitar, the lineup has evolved into six-piece outfit, complete with keyboards and a violinist. While at times Carrabba’s voice seemed to get lost in the vast ‘wall of sound’, this new arrangement appeared to add dynamism and a sense of completeness to the band, translating into a compelling rock show for the punters.

Nevertheless, Carrabba did pull out the acoustic guitar for a number of songs much to the crowds delight. In Ghost of a Good Thing, Carry This Picture, and Dusk and Summer, Carrabba exposed his more intimate side to a crowd that hung on his every note. These acoustic sessions allowed him to exhibit his vocal prowess, impressing the punters as he hit each note perfectly.

Adopting his interactive style throughout the set, Carrabba often held the outstretched hands of those lucky enough to be in the front row. In trademark Dashboard style, he would frequently step away from the microphone, inviting the crowd to belt out parts of the song. The great acoustics of concert hall helped make these moments the highlights of the night.

Even the breaks between songs provided some light entertainment, littered with callouts from the audience, including a marriage proposal â€” to which Carrabba replied, “But we’ve only just met!” as well as “Chris I’m pregnant!” from a gentlemen a few seats down — “Congratulations,” Carabba replied. “That’s some kind of scientific miracle.”

Finding a comfortable balance between songs from the new record and older tunes, Dashboard Confessional did not disappoint their legion of Perth fans as they knocked back track after track with intensity and ease. An enthralling extended version of Remember to Breathe and the band had truly gained the momentum which would carry them through to the climactic finish. Screaming Infidelities prompted a vigorous audience sing-along, while So Long, So Long saw Carrabba take to the piano with guitarist John Lefler providing the delicate harmonies. Ending the formal part of the set with a spirited performance of Don’t Wait, the first single from Dusk and Summer, and any non-believers were converted to the Dashboard movement.

Minutes after the band had left the stage the ‘encore’ chanting and stamping made waves around the venue. “Perth, you have taken me by surprise,” Carabba said, amidst the wild cheers upon the band’s return. The band launched into an epic finish of fan favourites The Best Deceptions and hit single Vindicated, which sent his devoted fans into a screaming frenzy. Bringing the show to a spectacular climax was the blistering teen anthem Hands Down leaving the crowd in euphoric applause and already looking forward to his rumoured return early next year. While there will be those who may not like the band’s new direction, none can deny their ability to stage a captivating rock show, as they proved here in Perth.