The Silent League - Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused (CD)

All Music Guide

The Silent League's debut album The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused is the soundtrack for any indie rock fan weary of working for a living. If you're saving yourself by indulging in reveries of a better scene, look toward this postrock/experimental symphony instead. Once a touring keyboardist for Mercury Rev, Justin Russo composes an atmospheric work of art similar to his former band, but with an ease much like The Flaming Lips' The Soft Bulletin and Polyphonic Spree's first album. Along with an ensemble cast of musiciansPhil Williams (drums), Michael Adzich (keyboards), Megan Loomis (violin), Rich Meyer (bass) and Shannon Fields (electric guitar)The Silent League go beyond the blackish imagery of their name. They make it possible to swim with the stream of majestic instrumentation, particularly on "Motion Pictures" and "Conversation". These are basic pop tunes with hints of melancholy, however Russo's slatecolored tenor makes defeat and disappointment seem less concerning. The album tit...le track reaches for long gone treasured moments while "Goliath" basks in sunnier string arrangements for the album's finest journey in selfassessment. The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused also includes participation from Interpol's Sam Fogarino, Grand Mal guitarist Bill Whitten, Mercury Rev's Sean "Grasshopper" Mackowiack, and Russo's brother and fellow Hopewell member Jason Russo. It's a family circle of sorts while also Russo's personal search for a greater adventure. He's joined the rest of us in trying to find that 'funny feeling' that makes things seems AO.K.. - MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide Read more Less