While grim, “Time to Dance” considers it folly to go to self-destructive extremes to get attention. With its bleak tale of a violent, drug-using kid who lands in the hospital, “Camisado” could scare teens straight.
“Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off” is a bitter, jealous rant from a boy whose ex is having sex in a car with another guy. It also uses the f-word twice. That expletive, s-words and “g–d–n” pop up on other tunes. A jilted young man visits a strip club to clear his head on “But It’s Better If You Do.” Elsewhere, cryptic lyrics describe an illicit affair (“Build God, Then We’ll Talk”), condemn organized religion (“I Constantly Thank God for Esteban”) and denigrate a wannabe socialite (“There’s a Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven’t Thought of It Yet”). On “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” a naive groom turns to champagne after overhearing wedding guests discussing his new bride’s promiscuous past.
An overnight success, this young, Las Vegas-based punk act pushes harsh profanity, sexual content, alcohol use and a glimpse into a hardened adult world you wouldn’t expect recent high school grads to know so intimately. Their Fever gets progressively darker, angrier and more cynical, resulting in commentary as empty as its targets.
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.
