After a bit of research, here’s what I’ve come to discover about this band, Census. Census is a modern progressive rock band from Arkansas and was formed in 2014. Clearly, I need to figure out how I’ve never heard of bands before until years later, because I’ve been missing out. I’ve only listened to this single about a dozen times now, and it’s super catchy. On several Google searches, they are also described as an emo boy band, which also probably explains why I’m hooked so easily. Call me a typical emo girl, but I’m going to listen to almost any pop-punk or emo band. I’m very fond of female-fronted and represented bands, but I do listen to a lot more boy bands these days. It’s just a bit easier to find sometimes, which it really shouldn’t be that way, but it is.

Anyways, as much as I’d love to put out a vent and bring awareness that female-fronted and represented bands need more acknowledgement, that’s not the point of this review. 

So to the point: Census released a single called “Insatiable Me” just this past Friday, and it’s a catchy song. The breakdowns, the lyrics, the vocals—this track has everything that I need to really want to play it on repeat. I can’t quite understand most of the lyrics, and I have failed to find a copy of the lyrics anywhere. Hopefully they make it to Spotify soon so I can sing along with the correct lyrics. I don’t quite like singing the wrong words, it’s really embarrassing especially if it’s at a live show. I don’t want to look like a fool. 

Now even if I can’t quite pick up all of the lyrics, I’ve got to rave about this opening line and the way this song first opens up. “Why does it always feel like your walls are closing in?” is such a relatable line, and the intricate way their vocalist, Ben, says it just emphasizes the rawness of the line. The music and tracking align beautifully, and then the drums slowly beat their way in as the tempo slowly rises. 

Based on this, I needed to see if I could find any past reviews on this group regarding their music influences. So, I had dug up an older review by Jordan Mohler on “Kill the Music,” where he interviewed Census in 2020. Clearly, this band has been around for a while, and I’m only discovering them now. Better late than never, I guess. In the interview, the band was asked about the song writing and Ben wrote them all. Such big shoes to fill in as the frontman and primary songwriter—but it does make sense. The interview mentions wanting the songs to be relatable based on their own personal experiences. But as everyone should know by now, you are not alone. We might not experience the exact moments, traumas, or hardships, but the feelings we have in those times are similar. We’re human, and we will react both negatively or positively towards an obstacle in our pathway.

They also state how as they grow, they want to see those lyrics grow and change with them—which is inspiring. At the same time, I’ve watched so many artists today do that, and it’s such a cool thing to watch. We are all constantly changing, and to reinforce that in their music is such a cherry on top.

Before I sign off, last note: the breakdowns in the song are pure perfection. Love them.

Overall, I’m a fan of this song, and now that I’ve played this one over a dozen times, I’m going to give their other music a listen. You should, too!