'The 4th Dimension' uses shorter songs with, as ever, a good sprinkling of sampling, effects, narrative and programming, Tim Jones' accomplished guitar playing and Terri's harmony vocals are, as always, essential to the band's full sound. There is also a real (and very good) drummer in Dave Pipkin and bass player (Rabbit) as well as a keyboard player, Steve Ellis who also works with Kromlek on some of their releases. (as do Tim, and Terri) The exceedingly tender love song 'Know This' is in striking contrast to Bloody Fucking Wanker', a 'toxic spill' of anger repeated to a 'na-na-na-na-na' playground taunt. Census of Hallucinations will employ just about any musical medium to get their message across. The tight rhythm section and Terri~B's excellent backing vocals on 'The Judas Kiss' approximate soul and the 'rave' inclinations of 'Give Us Back Our Heaven' constitute a very significant 1 minute and 40 seconds as a plea goes out to the master builders (?) to come back and save us for there's 'madness and hell here on Earth'.
'5' is the 'guitar' album with guest Martin Holder of Jah Wobble joining Tim to 'kick up a storm' with the fluidity and sheer expression of the playing reminding me of Robin Trower at times. It's not all heavy rock with 'Ignorance Insane' resembling a modern day protest song as fashioned to perfection by Bob Dylan and others. '5' also contains one of the band's most beautiful and atmospheric pieces, 'Father's Day'. Paddi who has worked with Spock's Beard and Pink Floyd among others takes the drum seat on this release.
3 very different 2001 releases then, eclectic in style with the messages conveyed very intelligently and artistically. Census of Hallucinations CDs are essential listening and come highly recommended.
by Phil Jackson