Album Review: Elora Danan - 'We All Have Secrets'

26 September 2007 | 6:20 pm | Staff Writer
Originally Appeared In

Australia’s answer to Circa Survive…

More Elora Danan More Elora Danan


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

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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.


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!


  1. Who Are You? Stop Writing

    In My Diary!!!

  2. Check Your Smile
  3. A Place To Be Somebody
  4. Parallel Universe
  5. Before The Blackout
  6. Thank God For Their

    Growth In