Search - Silent League :: Orchestra Sadly Has Refused

Unfulfilled promise

D. Boyle | Richmond, VA | 11/30/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Usually, I place a good amount of trust in the general consensus formed by reviewers at amazon, and buy accordingly. However, this album is somewhat of a letdown, especially considering the rave reviews it has received. The vocals cross the thin line between heartbreaking fragility (as can be heard in the better songs of Wilco, Radiohead, the Flaming Lips, or The Cardigans (yes, the Cardigans are a good band!)) into, well, weakness. I would assume that 'weak' was not the intent, but it is the product. When coupled with one to many overly sentimental chord changes (Major IV to minor iv, ad nauseum), you get something that tries too hard to sound bittersweet. All the time. Still, it deserves two stars as these flaws do not make the songs bad; to the contrary, they are beyond bearable. Just not a work of genius, by any stretch."

Addictive pop album, rocking live show

04/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been listening to this addictive album virtually non-stop for a couple weeks now. It's hard to describe The Silent League in terms of their influences. It's easier to just say that the album is a work of art, the rare type of album that spans generations because it's simply good music.If pressed to compare the sound of TSL to other bands, I would tell you to put Elliot Smith, Ben Folds, and an orchestra in a blender and drink it, but I haven't listened to Mercury Rev or other bands from the League members' milieu.Best track in my opinion is Linus, but Breathe, The Catbird Seat, Time and Glass Walls are all very solid. The title track and Goliath blend together nicely the way an album should and interesting little pieces like Conversation and New Obsession are, refreshingly, not made with singles in mind, but are pieces that fill out a larger whole. Simply put, a great album.If you live in NYC or happen to catch them touring, definitely check out the live show. The songs are all there, but they are transformed in person. TSL really rocks out and puts on a good show, in contrast to the CD, which is mellow and laid-back."

Amazingly pretty music

04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The perfect cd for any young spirit. It goes from ethereal melodies to full force multi-instrument madness all in one song at times. The music lingers in your head especially songs like "Breathe" and "Cat-Bird Seat" that fill you with extreme elation and raw energy. If you get a chance go see this band live."