Lyrical obscurity is the rule, but positive themes emerge on a few tracks. “Humanoid” and “I Get It” challenge someone to deal with reality. The band recalls a carefree season of youth preceding the insanity and rejection that can occur later in life (“Saturdays”). “Antisaint” condemns hypocrisy and deceit, while “The Fad” critiques those who jump on and off trendy bandwagons (“Once the fad permeates, it’s hip to care, hip to hate it”).
A Darwinist fed up with the world “returns” to the sea on “Saferwaters.” “Brainiac” tosses out cryptic lines about pentagrams and inebriation. Equally odd are stray mentions of voodoo and panther p-ss (“The Fad”), hanging oneself (“Straight Jacket Fashion”) and entering a nirvana-like communal abyss (“Paint the Seconds”). Anger motivates the singer to unleash an f- and s-word at someone on “Humanoid.”
Most of Vena Sera will make no sense to anyone but lyricist Pete Loeffler. Even his bandmates have their own interpretations. What’s clear, however, is the disc’s preoccupation with conflict, tension and relational isolation.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
