Simplified to one guy, his guitar and a single spotlight, Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional has gone on a one-man heartbreaker tour this winter.

Many college-age students can identify his music, and the memories associated with it, from their high school years. Dashboard Confessional is best described as acoustic wizardry. Each passing album captures intense emotions with stripped-down melodies and methodically crafted metaphoric lyrics to accompany.

In 11 years, Dashboard Confessional has released no less than six albums with hits including “Hands Down,” “Vindicated” and “Screaming Infidelities.”

The 2002 film “Spider-man” featured “Vindicated” on the soundtrack. Dashboard’s most recent release, “Alter The Ending,” was released in 2009 and incorporated complex elements from all previous albums. Last year, Carrabba toured solo playing acoustic sets to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his critically acclaimed album, “The Swiss Army Romance.”

Each song draws memories of special times listeners can identify with individually. The standout feature in Carrabba’s music is the existential lyrics present in each song. He has mastered the ability to weave emotion into his music in a way many are unable to describe. The songs are also great for singing along.

For example, one of the more memorable songs, “Screaming Infidelities,” is a passionate ballad that explains the feeling of deep loneliness after a breakup, while remaining infectiously singable.

Call it punk rock, emo-rock, even acoustic rock — it’s something that has defined a generation, a decade of hopeless romantics led by their bard, Dashboard Confessional. The band returns to San Diego to serenade the masses tomorrow at House of Blues. Doors open at 7 p.m. with Barcelona supporting. Tickets are $25 in advance and $28 the day of show.