Review

Elora Danan - We All Have Secrets

26.09.2007 | Cam | 4 Comments

Genre: Rock/Ambient/Post Hardcore
For Fans Of: Circa Survive - Armor For Sleep - The Getaway Plan
Favourite Songs: Check Your Smile - Parallel Universe - Thank God For Their Growth In Faith And Love
Running Time: 35:43
Year: 2007
Website Link: http://www.boomtownrecords.com.au
Myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/eloradananrock

Score: 91

Australia's answer to Circa Survive...

REVIEW.

In a little over 12 months, Elora Danan have earned themselves support slots for some of Australia and the US’s finest bands, a deal with indie powerhouse Boomtown Records and most importantly, they have caught the attention of music fans all over the country.

“We All Have Secrets” is the band’s debut release… and what a release it is! Taking the driving rock rhythms of Armor For Sleep and the atmospheric guitar parts of Circa Survive, Elora Danan have struck a healthy balance between the experimental and catchy.

One of the most striking things about “We All Have Secrets” is the fact that it’s an entire package. The artwork is great, the lyrics are cryptic interpretations of the band member’s favourite movies (points for originality on that one) and it contains more than the usual 5 or 6 tracks!

Opening track “Who Are You? Stop Writing In My Diary” is a perfect summation of what Elora Danan is all about… huge riffs and soaring vocals! Most bands would kill to have one vocalist this talented but Elora Danan have two (lucky bastards). While lead singer George has a commanding voice it’s guitarist/singer Issac who gives the band that special something that makes them stand out in an already crowded scene.

“Check Your Smile” is a more instantly catchy song than its predecessor. The simple but effective intro riff gives the song a real kick and again the vocal interplay between George and Issac is excellent.

In our recent interview with Matt (ED bass player) he said “A Place To Be Somebody” almost didn’t make the record. While the predominantly acoustic doesn’t show off Elora Danan’s skillful use of effects it does allow George to really showcase his vocal range.

The lead riff at the start of “Parallel Universe” is really cool and gives the song a hook an instant hook. Bass driven verses with sporadic guitars are the order of the day here… that is until you’re hit with another monster chorus.

The piano interlude is a nice touch (although not entirely necessary) and it introduces “Before The Blackout” nicely. While being more straight forward than the other songs on this mini album, Issac’s Anthony Green-esque vocals in the chorus are simply amazing. “Thank God For Their Growth In Faith And Love” is a re-recorded version of one of the band’s demo songs, and while not differing from the original it’s still a worthy inclusion on an already great release.

CONCLUSION.

This is a stunning debut from a band that clearly has big things ahead of them. Make sure you check them out on the Boomtown Showdown throughout November!