The Silent League
The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused

It has happened – and it surely has happened to you too – that I found myself on sleepy highways begging for a decent radio station. Then from the darkness, the piano of “Music (Was My First Love)” by John Miles, once again coming to my rescue. There, to remind me that before any other love in my life, it was a record that came to save me. That during every love, there was a record in the background, imperceptible then, overshadowed by selfish happiness.
At the end of every story, once again a record, generously lifting me up, without resentment.

This is what you feel when listening to the eponymous first track of “The Orchestra Sadly, Has Refused” (File Thirteen Record 2004). A reconciling ballad with the old Good Vibrations.
"…Put your favorite record on / Close your eyes and sing the song / You’re right back were we all belong…"
A suspended piano loop for a space ballad that closely recalls the recent performances of Mojave 3.

Taking a step back, we cannot overlook some biographical notes. “The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused” is the debut album of the very recent The Silent League. A Canadian formation led by Justin Russo, now former Mercury Rev member, who today can rely on the contributions of a real Orchestra; at least 20 pieces and an outstanding supporting member, Interpol's Sam Fogarino.
The Silent League rightfully belong to the genre of Chamber Pop or indeed Orchestral Pop. A scene to which we could also associate compatriots Hidden Cameras and the anglophiles High Llamas. Indeed, we might even say that this production could aspire to be the flag and manifesto of the genre, with this title so “fatalistic” and so full of a desire for revenge.

As for the usual game of assonances, besides the already mentioned Mojave 3, it’s hard not to catch the tribute to Pink Floyd's “The Dark Side Of The Moon” in the contiguous titles “Time” and “Breath”. The suspended melodic acoustic nature of “The Catbird Seat” also recalls the Floyd. Closer to the synthetic sensitivity of Grandaddy, however, is the minimalist electricity with which “Breath” is seasoned. Finally, there are more rhythmic acoustic episodes that can be likened to the older masterpieces of the Beach Boys.

An elegant atmospheric album, a must-have. It’s not a full 5 due to certain drops in tension, but it is still an excellent 4.5.