Patchwork Cacophony

I first came to hear of Ben Bell through his work with the Fusion Orchestra and then the first Patchwork Cacophony album. I have kept an ear open for the follow up album and it really is a fine piece of work.

Bell is some kind of musical polymath; not only did he create a studio but he has also played every instrument, written every song and even done the majority of vocals and, even more remarkably, it all hangs together beautifully.

‘Five Of Cups’ is a modern progressive album that scores on many different levels. Bell clearly has an ear for melody and an understanding of the structure of a song as well as being a very talented musician. I half expected to hear gaps in his skills although from the previous album I really shouldn’t have and in fact the music sounds as if this was a full band rather than a single player.

Stylistically it sits well within the keyboard orientated prog of the seventies and the wide aural soundscape of the eighties and nineties. He isn’t one for the Prog Metal or Math Prog genres and the music has a beautifully classic feel to it.

The album opens with the four-part ‘Fairytale’, ebbing and flowing, describing the transition from childhood into adolescence with a wistful sound and feel to the music. ‘Choices’ takes the intensity and the pace up a couple of notches with some marvellous Hammond playing, building in intensity through the vocals. The album closes with a 12 minute masterpiece in ‘Brand New Day’ that reminds me in many ways to the late lamented Quatermass.

None of the tracks here are less than listenable and Bell goes through the styles and the themes in a smooth but intense manner. You can hear the work he has put into the album but also hear that this comes very much from the heart.

Modern Prog without forgetting its roots – very good album.