(Something in Construction)

www.somethinginconstruction.com

You might know the name Justin Russo from some of the other things he's done, like play keyboards for Mercury Rev for their two best records (Deserter Songs and All is Dream) as well as play in his brother Jason's band, Hopewell. He wanted his own band so out came The Silent League who released an excellent debut in 2004 (The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused) as well as an equally strong sophomore effort three years later (Of Stars and Other Somebodies) but he and his motley gang (there seems to be 1000 musicians on this record) have really outdone themselves on this 2-CD set.

With an orchestra of friends Russo and pals have gone to the other side and back all the while exploring synthy new wave ("Yours Truly, 2095", which, oddly enough, is an E.L.O. cover; they also cover "Can't Get It Out of My Head" on disc two), robotic Krautrock ("Rules of Disengagement"), spooky folk ("I Go") and whatever it was that Mercury Rev was doing back in the 90's but, dare I say, better (hazy, spacey  orchestral, pop?). Onto disc two, which is beefed up with a few instrumental tracks as well as a few live cuts too, that aforementioned E.L.O. cover is one of the highlights as is the E.L.O.-esque "Kings and Queens" and the spacey, dreamy "Here's a Star." Admittedly, at two discs they could have trimmed a bit of fat but still, I'd have to say that at this point, ...But You've Always Been the Caretaker is the Silent's League's crowning achievement and one of last year's best releases.

Recommended Tracks: "When Stars Attack", Rules of Disengagement", "Here's a Star", "There is a Caretaker in the Woods", "I Go"  TIM HINELY