RE|FLECTION

Project: Patchwork is a studio project that has been put together by two German musicians, Gerd Albers and Peter Koll, along with the odd friend. This is the second album, and this time they have used less personnel than on the debut, so only 22 additional players and singers this time round. I noted that this had been recorded by Marek Arnold, Martin Schnella and Peter Koll, and given that the first two are bandmates in a few different outfits, it is not surprising that we have a polished outcome (Marek also mixed the album). A quick glance through the names involved and I spotted John Mitchell (on the road with Arena as I write this) and Melanie Mau, who most recently has been involved with Martin and Marek on the Art Rock Project ('Stay' is still my single favourite song of the year to date).

With so many different musicians and voices it is often hard to provide an album that doesn't come across as a hotchpotch of styles, let alone a patchwork, but somehow this has been pulled together into something that is incredibly melodic. I have been fortunate to hear most of Marek's work recently, and I can hear that he has had a major part to play in the arrangements and the way that the album has come out in the end. This is a polished piece of work that fans of Flaming Row and Seven Steps to the Green Door will be looking out for. There is a strong piano base at times, with good keyboards and guitars which allow the singers to be full of confidence. Listening to this has made me realise that I am yet to write a review for the debut, and that I really need to set to and give it some serious listening, as after hearing this I want to find out more. Melodic progressive rock with strong guitars and great vocals, this is a delight.

German venture PROJECT: PATCHWORK is the creative vehicle of composer and musician Gerd Albers. Following many years of work he released his debut album as Project: Patchwork in 2015, aided by a score of fellow musicians. Three years later we find this project signed to German label Progressive Promotion Records, who released the second album by this venture in the first half of 2018.

This is a venture I regard as one still in development, but it is developing nicely and to the point of now having the qualities needed to possibly entice a larger crowd. If you tend to enjoy music of the kind that resides on the borders between hard rock, progressive rock and folk music, Project: Patchwork's second album is one that merits an inspection. A few levels shy of the quality of the Ayreon's of this world, but a good and diverse album.