Listeners here at Prog Radio have had the pleasure these past few weeks of listening to some of "Hourglass," the latest offering from UK-based symphonic prog outfit Patchwork Cacophony, the solo project of the talented Ben Bell. Today, May 1, 2024, the album is fully released. This marks the band's third album, following their self-titled debut in 2014 and "Five of Cups" in 2016. With each album, Ben has evolved and improved, with “Hourglass” his strongest release to date. With eight tracks spanning a concise 47 minutes, "Hourglass" presents a blend of familiar Patchwork Cacophony sounds alongside elements that nod to Bell's collaborative work with bands like Gandalf's Fist and Broken Parachute. Bell's virtuosity shines through, particularly in his keyboard work.

What struck me immediately about "Hourglass" is its cohesive flow, with four longer tracks seamlessly woven together by shorter interludes. This album is clearly designed to be experienced in its entirety, offering a journey through intricate compositions and dynamic shifts in mood and tone. In fact, here at Prog Radio, we actually include some of the interlude tracks when playing the main songs in an effort to keep the spirit of the music as intended.