Quarantined Quartet’s debut album Strumming the Earth is a radiant showcase of Spanish classical guitar and flamenco music, woven with a sense of global unity that reflects the ensemble’s viral rise to fame. The Hochman family’s pandemic-born performances, which brought daily doses of musical warmth to millions, have now crystallized into this carefully crafted 12-track collection. It’s a work that balances technical brilliance with emotional depth, featuring both original compositions and thoughtful reimaginations of well-loved classics.
At the heart of Strumming the Earth is the group’s unshakeable bond as a family. The Hochmans—two parents and their two children—perform with a synchronicity that feels effortless yet deeply refined. Their approach is intimate, highlighting the familial trust and mutual understanding that underpins their playing. It’s as if the listener has been invited to join them in their living room, transported to a space where music is both personal and shared, grounded yet soaring.
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The album opens with “Las Olas,” a composition that immediately establishes the Quartet’s command of rhythm and melody. The interplay between the four guitars evokes the ebb and flow of ocean waves, blending flamenco-style flourishes with Spanish classical traditions. It’s a lively start, pulling the listener into a world where every note is crisp, precise, and imbued with emotion. The rhythmic complexity here sets the tone for what follows, but it’s the tenderness with which the Hochmans handle the melody that stands out most.
The title track, “Strumming the Earth,” is the album’s centerpiece, capturing the essence of the group’s sound: earthy yet ethereal, grounded in tradition but unafraid to explore new territories. The composition moves from haunting, melancholic passages to bright, uplifting sections, mirroring the cyclical nature of life itself. This track, like much of the album, is a dance between joy and sorrow, a reflection of the collective experiences of the pandemic that first drew attention to the family’s music. There’s a subtle resilience in their playing, a message of hope that resonates deeply.
Among the original compositions, “Shifting Woods” and “Arena Dorada” are standouts. “Shifting Woods” is a vibrant exploration of tempo, with the four guitars weaving intricate patterns around one another, while “Arena Dorada” evokes a sun-soaked landscape, its slower pace allowing the listener to bask in each carefully placed note. Both tracks demonstrate the Quartet’s ability to paint vivid musical pictures, drawing on the imagery of nature to create deeply evocative soundscapes.
Strumming the Earth
Listen to Strumming the Earth on Spotify · Album · Quarantined Quartet · 2024 · 12 songs
The three cover tracks—“Bella Ciao,” “When in Rome,” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”—are where the Quartet’s interpretive skills truly shine. “Bella Ciao,” the Italian folk song made famous as an anthem of resistance, is given a fresh flamenco twist, with quicksilver guitar runs that breathe new life into its defiant spirit. Their take on “Hallelujah” is equally powerful, stripping the song back to its barest elements and rebuilding it with the warmth of the Spanish guitar. It’s a sensitive interpretation that honors Cohen’s original while allowing the Hochmans’ unique style to come through.
What makes Strumming the Earth particularly compelling is the way it bridges the gap between genres and traditions. Spanish classical and flamenco music provide the foundation, but the Quartet’s influences stretch across continents, creating a truly global sound. Tracks like “Brasileirinho,” with its playful rhythms and Brazilian flair, and “Infinity,” with its fusion of classical guitar techniques and modern, experimental touches, reflect a wide-ranging curiosity and respect for world music traditions.
Technically, the album is flawless. The Hochmans’ guitar work is impeccable, each member contributing to a greater whole while maintaining their individual voice. Yet despite this technical mastery, the album never feels clinical. There’s a warmth and humanity to their playing, a quality that is difficult to capture but essential to the family’s appeal.
Strumming the Earth is not just a debut album—it’s a statement of purpose. The Quarantined Quartet has proven that viral fame can lead to something more lasting, and their message of family, unity, and musical excellence is one that resonates across borders. With this release, they’ve laid a solid foundation for what promises to be a long and exciting career.
Clay Burton