The Silent League

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The Silent League
Origin	Brooklyn, U.S.
Genre(s)	Post rock, Chamber pop, Indie
Label(s)	File-13, Something in Construction, Rallye/Klee
Associated acts	Mercury Rev, Interpol, Hopewell, Stars Like Fleas, Beirut, Arcade Fire
Website	http://www.silentleague.com
Members
Justin Russo, Shannon Fields, Kevin Thaxton, Jesse Blum and Evan Pazner.
Former members
Ryan Smith, Phil Williams, Reno Bo, Jason Russo, Sam Fogerino, Sean Mackowiak, Gene Park, Rich Meyer, Michael Adzich, Kelly Pratt, Jon Natchez, James Duncan

The Silent League is a post-rock, chamber pop band from Brooklyn, New York founded by Justin Russo, formerly of Mercury Rev. Their 2004 debut, The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused, (hailed by The Guardian, The Times Independent, NME (8/10), Q (4/5), Mojo (4/5), Uncut (4/5), Rolling Stone, Spin, The New York Times, Village Voice, Blender, Salon.com, etc) featuring Sam from Interpol, Grasshopper from the Rev and a cast of dozens, was released in the US on Chicago’s File-13 label and in the UK in late 2005 on Something In Construction.

The debut’s UK release (ushered in with universally high praise, touted in The Times as “a great hope of 2006"), led to quick success and sales, abetted by a number of high-profile shows with the likes of Interpol, Bloc Party, Echo & The Bunnymen, Keane, Brendan Benson, Rufus Wainwright, Sufjan Stevens. The newly boosted profile of such an orchestral band led to members being “borrowed” to collaborate on records by (and play on tours with) Beirut, Arcade Fire, Bishop Allen, Harlem Shakes, Stars Like Fleas, Antony & the Johnsons, Calexico. However, ill-judged rumours of the League's demise were greatly exaggerated.

Their follow up album entitled Of Stars And Other Somebodies was released in 2007. Tracks include Victim of Aeroplane, Kings & Queens and Let It Roll. The band (now touring as a 6-piece -- a lither, synthier, explosive-er live band) embarked on their 4th UK tour, a 15+ date promo trip, performing across the UK and at festivals including Godiva (mainstage with Super Furry Animals, Cribs, The Enemy ), Latitude Festival (with Arcade Fire, Jarvis Cocker, The National, and Final Fantasy), the DrownedInSound and Truck Festivals, as well as doing BBC radio sessions and lots of press. Late 2007 saw Japanese release on Rallye/Klee label (Au Revoir Simone, Yacht, Klaxons, Matt & Kim)