It continues the eclectic approach of the band as they embrace a number of styles with the most outright 'jazzy' track to date in 'Nozy Parker' with co-composer Mark Dunn guesting on bass. 'Where?' is a ska/reggae type number that's in keeping with the band's avowed Ozric Tentacles influence. The CD contains two cover versions, The Beatles 'Yellow Submarine' and an excellent rendition of 'In My Chair' by Status Quo. The music concludes with a slice of pure unadulterated space music with some interesting reverberated drum sounds by Paddi. Another interesting aspect of this album is the 'aural manipulation' and 'remixing' on 2 tracks courtesy of Rapoon. Another sonic conquest by Census of Hallucinations! On 'Opus 2' the music flows more in the first part of the album as the band revert to its 'standard' line-up of Tim Jones on vocals and guitar, Terri~B on vocals and programming, Steve Ellis on keyboards and a rhythm section of Dave Pipkin and Rabbit. The long memorable opener 'Spirit of the Cat' is followed by 'Infinite Possibilities', a track that captures the great 'vibe' of Gong/ Steve Hillage instrumental music. There is a poem by Terri on the subject of non programmed human beings with some weird sax programming ('See') and a tirade against 'material world scientists' on 'Merlin..You Left Your Hat' with rude noises by Terri. This is a band with attitude you see but put across with such musical ingenuity and, at times, humour, that the band's serious message comes across well 'Opus 2' features one of the band's nicest songs 'Begin' and their considerable linguistic talents are put to the test in the alliterative word play of 'Retching Retarded Rectors'. When listening to 'The Serpent Race Is On (Again)' my mind went back to Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention and Census of Hallucinations' approach to music making has some similarities. There is space rock to come ('Beelzebub') and a 'sound collage' stretching to the final, rockier track 'Eight Pointed Star'.
The very first self titled Census of Hallucinations CD is probably my overall favourite (although I recommend you to listen to all of them if you can) with 'Integration' and its use of delayed echo guitar effects (taking me back to marvellous albums like 'Fish Rising' by Steve Hillage) as one of my personal 'picks'. The first album also contains a splendid version of The Beatles 'Dear Prudence' and a cover of 'The Devil's Answer' by Atomic Rooster. Environmental concerns are aptly expressed on 'Gaia Hypothesis' while 'The Big Pink Sandwich' is psychedelia at its most wonderful. There are also two very good songs in 'Orion' and 'The Moon'. The latter contains the message of what a lot of the music is about, the idea of seeking and finding the answers to save mankind, a very proactive and positive view rather than the nihilistic, doom laden prophecies that often prevail.
Census of Hallucinations take a lot of chances with their music and all credit to them for their highly experimental approach. Sometimes, like towards the end of 'Opus 2' you wonder where it's all leading but it does, to quote John Lennon all 'come together' in the end. And thinking of the next release, 'seven' has definite possibilities as a number!
by Phil Jackson