Once in a while a great surprise comes through my mailbox in the guise of a cd, this is one of those times. I have never heard of Census of Hallucinations and I guess nor have many of you?! This English prog/ Psychedelia/ folk band have apparently released quite a few albums before (my ignorance) and now this new outing arrived at my desk. I am so pleasantly surprised that this could very well be one of my favorite albums of the year. Imagine a cross between Strawbs & a bit of early Cat Stevens, then add some psychedelia and 60 ´vibe, then your almost there, in addition you get the superb guitars from John Simms of Clear Blue Sky fame. It is quite fresh in sound and attitude, a strange (in a good way) blend of old and new all merged perfectly together! After quite a few spins you realize there are no boring moments on this album and an album that grows on you, are always a good sign (in my book)! It has indeed become one of my favorite albums these days, as I have played it over and over again since it arrived! When I started this review I had probably 3 favorite tunes, now I must admit that the whole album sits very well with me and it will with you if you liked the aforementioned sentences. I really do believe that this is a must own!! It most certainly goes on my (ever growing list) of top albums 2013 !! Be warned though, those of you whom seek thunder chords, speed guitaring and screaming vocals should look elsewhere! This album holds "only" beautiful intriguing and well delivered music in the styles mentioned! NOW ....go buy!!
(Prog Planet - http://www.progplanet.com)