Believe it or not 2013 brings the first professionally manufactured CD in the long history of this illustrious group. Familiar numbers from the Census of Hallucinations back catalogue get a makeover with Tim Jones garnering assistance from John Simms (electric guitar), Maxine Marten and Terri B (backing vocals), Kevin Hodge (drums and bass), Mark Craney (keys on 'Infra Red Part 1') and Dave Hendry (whose Ohead releases I have had the pleasure to review for Acid Dragon). All play their part to breathe renewed life into a collection of excellent songs, the synth on 'Forest' embellishing the catchy chorus and reflective verse, Tim's acoustic guitar and John Simm's electric guitar fills on 'More Than Ashes', the inventive arrangement on 'Church' and a solid rhythm section all get the album off to a flying start (and I have never heard Tim and his backing singers in such fine voice). Acoustic guitar once again introduces 'Riding The War' while John's Dave Gilmour like guitar on the second part of 'Infra Red' is the perfect foil to the shimmering synth lines with what can only be described as a heavenly choir in the background.
'Ephemeral Fire' which I first heard sung by Terri B on her solo album is the last of three Tony Morland songs on the CD and is fittingly poignant and deliberative. The next two songs 'Mountain Climbing' and 'Lie Again' seem like old friends and have never sounded better. 'Sara Jane' I was less familiar with and it precedes the album's outstanding moment for me, if I had to pick one, the stunning 5 minute version of 'Hieronymous'. There are still 3 to go with 'Blood on My Shoes' one of Tim's 'social consciousness' songs if I can describe it that way, perceptive and to the point before the classic anthemic 'Free Yourself' (from greed) sounding very funky with John's bluesy guitar fills and 'Orion' which is always welcome and a fitting closer to 'Spirit of Yellow' which may well be the finest moment (of many) in the history of Census of Hallucinations.
(Reviewed by Phil Jackson)