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Census of Hallucinations - "Coming of the Unicorn"

Following Census of Hallucinations' recent Spirit of Yellow album which comprised reworkings of classic Stone Premonitions tracks comes this brand new album which focuses on the more overtly psychedelic side of the band's sound. Each track flows into the next without a break, providing a complete listening experience. As with the previous album, Census of Hallucinations are joined by guitarist John Simms, a veteran of the prog scene, who founded the band Clear Blue Sky who released albums on Vertigo in the 70s and are still active today. Something That Affects All People is a mind-bending instrumental combining prog, cosmic synth effects, and dark experimental aspects. Only Time Will Tell is a song-based track that adds an atmospheric psychedelic touch to what would otherwise be a sort of reggae/synth-pop hybrid. Put the Head On effectively brings together heavy, forceful, and at times angular prog rock with ethereal spacey moments. The Unicorn is Coming adds synthesised harpsichord and flute to an atmospheric mix of prog, space and experimental music. Miracle is an intense mix of heavy 70s-ish blues-psych-rock, soul, and punk. As Within So Without (Slight Return) is a surreal, ethereal and evocative experimental soundscape. The artwork is of a similarly high standard as the music, featuring a medieval-inspired font and an impressive stained glass-style unicorn painting by Justin Jackley.

(Reviewed by Bliss/Aquamarine - http://www.blissaquamarine.net)