I just threw up in my mouth.

By Mike Larmon
Weekender Reporter
3 ½ stars

"I'm talented with reason, I cover all the angles. I can fail before I even try."
This lyric from “Bend and Not Break,” a track off Dashboard Confessional's new album "A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar" sums up the band’s current state.
“A Mark...” proves that Dashboard Confessional is a very talented band, perhaps more talented than most bands in their genre. It also proves that they are indeed capable of covering all the angles, musically speaking. Finally, it proves that if they are not careful in their future, they are capable of failing; fate will decide where this band goes from here.
From the sweet lullaby sounds of "Ghost of a Good Thing" to the good old-fashioned rock and roll of "Hey Girl" to the love ballad that is "As Lovers Go," these guys have proven their diversity.
The band impressively steers clear of the typical punk rock beats and riffs that have overkilled other, similar albums. “A Mark...” blends the lyrics and ideas of punk rock with the music of alternative and modern rock.
Singer / guitarist Chris Carrabba does a good job of writing and singing lyrics that apply to different audiences. For the ladies, he'll sing "So Beautiful," with lyrics like these: "Careful now, you're so beautiful / when you've convinced yourself / that no one else is quite as beautiful."
For the guys, Carrabba will sing "Carve Your Heart Out of Yourself," with lyrics like these: "Dig your ditch deep enough, / to keep you clear of the sun. / You've been burned more than once. / You don't think much of trust."
“A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar” is a huge step forward for Dashboard Confessional and hopefully their fans will step with them. As if the album wasn't enough to make people buy it, there is also a DVD included titled "Far from Home Movies." An appropriate title for an album that's far from ordinary.