Album Review: Quartetset Quiet Time by Sebastian Currier (Cassatt Quartet)
Alright, so let’s talk about Quartetset Quiet Time, this gem of an album that dropped in 2006. It’s a mix of electronic vibes and classical chops, with some seriously modern twists. Sebastian Currier composed it, and the Cassatt Quartet brought it to life—think Caroline Stinson on cello, Tawnya Popoff on viola, and Jennifer Leshnower and Muneko Otani rocking the violins. The whole thing feels like a brainy yet emotional rollercoaster, and trust me, it sticks with you.
The album has a bunch of tracks, but I wanna zoom in on two that really stood out for me: “III. Reverberation” and “II. Time’s Arrow.”
“III. Reverberation” is just... wow. It starts off all moody and reflective, like you’re walking through an empty cathedral or something. The strings pull you in, layer by layer, until you’re completely lost in the sound. And then, just when you think you’ve got it figured out, there’s this subtle shift—an almost electronic echo—that sneaks up on you. That blend of acoustic and electronic? Chef’s kiss. It’s haunting but also kinda comforting, like hearing a ghost hum your favorite lullaby.
Then there’s “II. Time’s Arrow,” which feels like the opposite of “Reverberation” in the best way. This one’s got energy—like, bursting-out-of-the-gates energy. The quartet goes full throttle here, with these sharp, staccato notes that feel urgent and chaotic, but in a good way. It’s like watching time speed up and slow down at the same time. You can practically feel your heart racing while listening to it. Honestly, it’s one of those pieces that makes you go, “Wait, how did they even come up with this?”
Now, here’s the thing about Quartetset Quiet Time: it doesn’t try to fit into any neat little box. Sure, it’s classical, but it’s not stuffy or boring. And yeah, it’s got electronic elements, but it’s not trying too hard to be edgy. It’s just... itself. Like that slightly weird friend who always says something unexpected but somehow nails it every time.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: if this album were a person, I’d totally want to hang out with it. It’s deep enough to keep you thinking but chill enough to vibe with. Plus, it’s got layers—like, onion-level layers. Peel back one, and there’s another waiting.
So yeah, give Quartetset Quiet Time a spin if you’re into music that actually makes you feel stuff. Just don’t blame me if you end up zoning out and missing your bus stop or whatever.
