Patchwork Cacophony is the solo prog rock project of multi-instrumentalist Ben Bell. Originally conceived in 2013 during the writing sessions for Fusion Orchestra 2's Casting Shadows it served as a holding space for material than didn't fit that band's style. The self-titled debut album was released in 2014 and channeled classic-era prog bands such as Genesis and Camel, even drawing direct comparisons to Rick Wakeman's solo albums.

A follow up, Five of Cups was released in 2016 and indirectly resulted in Ben being invited to join Gandalf's Fist initially as a live keyboard player, then subsequently as an official member of the band.

As the sessions for Gandalf's Fist's acclaimed Widdershins drew to a close, Ben returned to the studio to work on material which would eventually form 2024's third Patchwork Cacophony album: Hourglass.

The music of Patchwork Cacophony has a traditional full rock band arrangement rather than using loops or synthesized drums. It is heavily keyboard driven with a focus on instruments such as hammond organ, piano and mellotron and trademark multi-layered vocals, but while there are extended instrumental passages the emphasis is on the music rather than pyrotechnic displays of virtuosity.