Diane Gentile is a New York City, USA-based singer songwriter who has just come to my attention thanks to her new album, released under the name Diane & The Gentle Man. Running the gamut of introspective folk and gritty rock ‘n’ roll, it’s called The Bad and the Beautiful.

By Graeme Smith

New York born and raised, the city, its eccentrics and legendary artists inspire Diane’s music. Yet she also influenced by those who are from places a little closer to our York: David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and even Shakespeare. The result is a cornucopia of styles that on paper shouldn’t go together but beautifully do in her music.

Her new album opens with Lace Up Your Sneakers, featuring James Maddock. It’s got a throwback disco feel about its arrangement that instantly sets it out from contemporaries. Diane’s vocals are wonderfully compelling as they deliver descriptive, storytelling lyrics. It’s a track that will make you think as much as it’ll make you dance. It’s a great start.

Dance ’til Dawn is a softer track with a nostalgic warmth. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture in the first verse before the track builds to a passionate chorus. Walk With Me features Alejandro Escovedo and is a lively, Springsteen-esque folk rock anthem. The pair’s vocals work beautifully together. It’s a highlight.

Fade Away Author is a stripped-back acoustic ballad where Diane’s expressive vocals and song writing take centre stage. Shimmy, of course, livens things back up with some move-inducing blues rock. Far Away Down The River brings with it a little country folk and transports you to somewhere warm and rural. The Hook Up is a pacey country rock tale with some biting, visceral lyrics while Sugarcane is sultry and bittersweet. Be There chugs along with honky-tonk sensibilities before Kiss The Sky closes the album with some minimalist, poetic reflection that develops into cinematic classic rock. It’s another highlight.

The Bad and the Beautiful is out now via Velvet Elk Records and you can give it a listen below.