DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

Emo exponent Chris Carrabba writes the kind of catchy acoustic based tunes that are the perfect accompaniment to soul-searching, teenage heartbreak. Florida native Carraba had started out in tougher rock acts Further Seems Forever and the Vacant Andies before making the transition to simple acoustics and intricate wordplay. 2001 proved a breakthrough year with the release of a second full-length album, Places you Have come To Fear The Most and a US tour with labelmates No Motiv and Alkaline Trio. After an MTV Unplugged tour in 2003 Carraba returned for his third album, A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar and contributed hit single, Vindicated to 2004's Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. Latest album Dusk and Summer sees the band ditching the acoustic introspection for a meatier rock sound.