Customer Reviews

Orchestra Sadly Has Refused

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

I've heard this band live many times in NYC - they are one of the best new orchestrated rock bands around! Their soulful, sensitive lyrics are beautiful and their musical sounds so uplifting. Makes you feel good. A great band with a wide assortment of instruments and influences! Highly recommend this uniquely, delightful CD.

When I first heard this music I loved it. The lyrics are clear, the music, at times, etherial and haunting. Listening to it for the first time, I thought of the Beatles and other bands of the sixties. When I had friends listen to it, they said the same thing. But it is orginal music. The Silent League has their own unique style. I would love to see the band live. I wish them huge success and hope another album is forthcoming.

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.

Im not a pro at writting reviews so I will keep this short. This CD is some of the best music I have heard in a long time ! There thats my review.

I bought the album unheard, because my little sister recommended it. Her oldest son, my nephew, is a member of the group. I didn't know what I was going to hear, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is music for those who listen to lyrics that tell stories and encompass complete thoughts.

Hey you Hurray! this is a tasty little CD.
This record is like one long epic poem of injustice
dedicated to a frail heart.

One of the most direct and honest and refreshing CD's I've heard in ages.

This album is amazing! The live act is amazing! Come back to Texas!