Australian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Justin Bell turns his passion towards the chaos and beauty of neo-classical expression, with the boldness and wonder of the Pestoric five-track EP Space. End. Time.
As an opening chapter, there’s something euphoric and deeply evocative about Siphoning The Storm – an intriguing title making way for an impressively distinct and increasingly intense piano performance.
The subtle conceptual implication is perfectly encapsulated by Justin’s arrangement and delivery, and the recording quality too – the live sound of the keys, the reverb, this sense of weight and delicacy so carefully intertwined – it presents a level of escapism that feels genuinely shared by the artist and listener as the music pours through.
We move then into Dancing River, and there are comforting threads already at work – certain chord progressions, the piano tone and the balancing of strings and keys throughout an increasingly passionate set-up. This time there’s a lightness, perhaps something a little more joyous or hopeful, and that change of pace is welcomed amidst the organic humanity of a profound and powerful Space. End. Time.
Next up the space aspect takes precedence somewhat, a modestly swirling production supporting those simple and striking hits of the piano keys – a haunting pattern, descending but rhythmically familiar, surrounded by psychedelic sci-fi sounds and effects, and a growing level of drama and revelation that’s again euphoric and all-consuming. This is Espirit Agité, a rather epic work, unpredictable and cleverly meandering from uncertain to celebratory, to quietly contemplative.
With Fioritura, joyful wonder returns, the left hand providing the comfort of rhythm and pattern, the right presenting a higher-noted journey through scenes and sensations that feel both peaceful and occasionally elated. Again, there’s a distinct quality to the leading melody or riff, and this makes it easy to recognise this piece in particular.
To finish, Pestoric captures the value of intrigue and concept again, for the uniquely bright resound of Aspiring Shadows. We come full-circle somewhat, but we’re left with lingering thoughts, and something like drama and delicacy once more united in guiding us towards either serenity or ambition; perhaps depending on what you need the music for at any given time.
Justin Bell as Pestoric has crafted something timelessly enjoyable with Space. End. Time – the ideas are provocative, the sounds and melodies impassioned and honest, and the music is hugely rewarding to connect with and lose yourself within. An essential dose of real musicianship and emotional conviction for the modern instrumental realm.
Visit Justin Bell’s Website for more information.
