ELAH

Look at the history of rock and roll, and it’s clear that sometimes fate plays a bigger role than it often gets credit for. And there are few better examples than hard-hitting Brisbane rock outfit ELAH.

While the members have been friends and musical collaborators since childhood, over the years they gradually grew apart. Until, that was, a chance meeting found singer Taneka reconnect with guitarist Rory O’Donnell.

The story is simple – one supermarket was shut, the other was open and as they stocked up on groceries the pair not only rekindled their friendship, they decided to make music together once more.

With the rhythm section of drummer Ezra Stevens and bass player Adam Stevens on board, the band was on stage together within weeks – the creative connection between the four experienced artists apparent from that very first show.

Taking their name from an Aramaic word for ‘reverence’, ELAH are committed to making music than actual means something – to them, and the listener.

For this band, writing and performing is about finding that tricky balance between accessibility and artistry. It’s an interesting combination and one that illustrates ELAH’s commitment to making music that not only satisfies their own creative drive, but also connects with audiences from the first listen.

Together they create music that somehow combines the tightness and musical chemistry of bands like The Living End, with the melodic and emotional punch of Paramore.

It’s an approach you can hear all over their first studio foray last year, which produced the powerful track ‘Don’t Stay’. Driven by Taneka’s powerful voice, the single immediately grabs you, but offers more and more on each listen.

‘Don’t Stay’ is not only an impressive statement in it’s own right, it’s an exciting sign of things to come as the band continue to hone their craft, pushing and pulling their songs in challenging new directions.

If there’s one thing this band doesn’t want, it’s to be put in any one box. Predictability is not an option.

2010 is already shaping up to be a huge year for ELAH as the band hit the stage for more shows and work towards their debut studio release.