Five is perhaps a bit of a misleading title! Census' first four albums (Census Of Hallucination, Opus 2, The Third Eye, and The Fourth Dimension) were all linked, and like Mike Moorcock's Jerry Cornelius books, they can be sampled in any order.
Five, by its title alone, gives the impression it's connected — and while it is the band’s fifth release, it marks a completely new direction. More guitar-orientated, it shares some similarities with The Rabbit's Hat — a band that released standout albums like The Sun Broke Through, The Magician, In Optic Mansion, and Take Good Care.
Many of the icons from those halcyon days reappear on Five, and yet the very essence of Census is retained. The dreamier ambient soundscapes of earlier records take a backseat here, making room for more structured, grounded songs. The pentagram on the cover — the five-pointed star — marks not darkness, but transformation: an exorcism of sorts.
The lyrics, penned by Tim and Terri-B, carry more personality and emotional depth than ever. Tracks like "Father's Day", "Earth Song", and "Music From The Heart" shine as deeply resonant pieces.
Martin Holder’s inspired guitar work is a standout, particularly on songs like "The General Erection", "Death Row", "Spiral Arms", "Ducks", and "Where Will I Be". With deeper and more complex structures both lyrically and musically, Five is more sharply defined than anything before — full of humour, musical dexterity, and fresh intensity.
Jerry Kranitz — Aural InnovationsFive CDs in two years!! These folks have loads of music in their souls just busting to get out. And bust out they do.
The fifth release from Census Of Hallucinations features their trademark mix of masterful songwriting and the unmistakable vocal beauty of Tim Jones and Terri~B. Psychedelic in their own unique way, the band drifts and floats with a signature sound that’s all their own.
Tracks like "Spiral Arms", "Love Is The Answer", and "Father's Day" blend angelic vocals, orchestral textures, and absolutely beautiful guitars. In fact, this might feature some of the best guitar work on any Census release. Newcomer Martin Holder joins Tim on guitar, and the magic of their collaboration subtly reveals itself throughout.
Among the album’s other highlights is "The General Erection" — a funky, psychy jab at the fools that rule. "Land Of Mirrors" mixes Terri’s stunning vocals with grungy guitar licks, closing in a mini freakout. "The Gremlin Song" is a stomping rocker, and "Death Row" brings out the most metallic shred from the Stone Prem crew yet — don’t let them put ya in “the chair”... zap!
In summary, Census Of Hallucinations has delivered another cosmically enchanting album. Across its 12 tracks, Five shows that this band deserves serious attention — and potentially, some serious airplay. While their debut may still hold the most overtly spacey freakouts, the coherence and originality of their later work, especially Five, reveals the strength of their singular psychedelic vision.