by MacKenzie WilsonIn the late '90s, New York native Justin Russo imagined forming a pop group fronted with an orchestra. He played keyboards and added backing vocals to his brother Jason Russo's band, Hopewell. During that time, Russo was also touring as a keyboardist for Mercury Rev, supporting their critically acclaimed Deserter's Songs and All Is Dream albums. The time was right in 2002 when Russo founded the Silent League. Hailing from Brooklyn, the experimental chamber pop ensemble consists of Russo (vocals/piano/guitar), Rich Meyer (bass/vocals), Shannon Fields (guitar/vocals), Phil Williams (drums), Megan Loomis (viola), and Michael Adzich (keyboards). Mercury Rev's Sean "Grasshopper" Mackowiack, Interpol drummer Sam Fogarino, and Bill Whitten of Grand Mal joined the Silent League in the studio for the recording of their File-13 debut. The majestic storm that is The Orchestra, Sadly, Has Refused was released in spring 2004.