The very interesting and intriguing UK band: Census Of Hallucinations have created yet another album, while I raved about their "Spirit Of Yellow" album (5 star rating) I had some doubts on their next "Coming Of The Unicorn" ( Read both reviews elsewhere on these pages) this brand new release really got to me after several listening (which goes to show as often pointed out by yours truly, you cant judge any album, any branch of music, by first listenings)! COH is a band that grows and grows creatively and musically and I must honestly say that this album "The Nine" is near masterpiece status!
I don't know why, but while listening to this fine album, I had some reminiscing to that feel and sound of Small faces brilliant masterwork " Ogden´s Nut Gone Flake" maybe it is the typically English, sometime cockney like narration, but the whole thing oozes of brilliant English masterclass prog/rock/psychedelic music a la 60´and 70 ´ style!! So, hats off to Hodge/ Jones/ Simms/ Dunn & Marten for creating this little gem! I have come to love every minute of it and it has been sitting in my cd player ever so often and I have repeatedly listened intensely with a smile on my face thinking to myself this is what its all about!! This is NOT grand, Pompous, mega production, its not big money moguls idea, this is pure and simple a real band expressing their music, realizing their original idea! I love it!!
I imagine that their breakthrough album is right around the corner, they so richly deserve it!! Mean while I have a problem, rating "Spirit Of Yellow" 5 stars and this one coming close, what do I do when their masterpiece arrives? Well that's for me to know and you to find out, isn't it?!
Meanwhile, I highly recommend this new album to anyone into great prog/psychedelic UK music! Hell, you deserve it and so does this fine band!!
This is my first, my first review that have praised a band and their album, without actually pinpointing their music, track by track or any track!! Now, you go find this excellent album and hear for yourself!! I promise you wont be disappointed , that is if you liked the former sentences !??
Census of Hallucinations ?! Its all in the mind of the listener!!
(Reviewed by Tonny Larsen - Prog Planet - www.progplanet.com)