Short Reviews [Patchwork Cacophony - 2024 - "Hourglass"]

This is the third album from Ben Bell’s solo project Patchwork Cacophony but the first since 2016. It was only when looking at his discography that I realised I actually have not heard the others, although I know Ben from Broken Parachute and Gandalf’s Fist (while he has also contributed to multiple others as well). This is very much Ben’s baby in that he provides everything, as although he is primarily a keyboard player he also is adept on guitars, drums etc. This means that while one might expect a keyboard-based album we have one where that is often the foundation, but the overall impact is very much that of a band as opposed to a solo musician. He is thinking in terms of overall arrangements and ensuring that all instruments are given the correct amount of prominence and is he also a good enough singer to carry the lines without looking for outside assistance. I note that PA classify his music as symphonic but based on this album I would put it more as Neo, and thoroughly enjoyable it is too. I know there are purists out there who feel that Neo isn’t real prog, but if it had not been for that scene in the Nineties then the current genre would be looking quite weak indeed as that was what was keeping it going in the UK at least. Songs such as “Carpe Diem” are real drivers, showing that rock piano has a solid place in music, adding emphasis to the guitars, taking them to a higher level than the use of other keyboards would do. That we get lead guitar melodies with rippling piano behind and harmony vocals over the top just makes me smile as this is vibrant and exciting stuff. There is a powerful use of space within the album, allowing the instruments to really show their place within the threads, and for the listener to really get inside the music. Given his flair with different instruments the keyboards are not always front and centre, although they are always key, and the high use of piano really makes this stand out. The result is an album which is totally enjoyable from beginning to end, and if like me you had not previously come across Ben’s work under this name then this is a great place to start.