Dana Immanuel
Album: Dotted Lines
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 8
Website: http://www.danaimmanuel.com

The thing I enjoy more than anything while reviewing for Fatea magazine is discovering a new fantastic vocalist that comes complete with a great sound through the use of a variety of instruments many of which are country in type. Cue one great example in Dana Immanuel with her sophomore album Dotted Lines. If you were impressed by Character Assassination then the short eight tracks on offer here are delightful and I am sure you will be impressed - I certainly am!

Dana Immanuel is classically trained and has studied a variety of subjects at Oxford. Based out of London you may well have heard the unique vocals and splendid guitar or banjo playing whilst travelling on the London Underground. Dana has a solid professional busking base and plenty of gigs in clubs and a variety of venues under her belt usually with the help of a few female friends who form part of The Stolen Band.

Of the different influences that Dana has had for this album the one she says stands out is the gambling and poker playing she has witnessed in casinos especially those in Monte Carlo. The title track could actually fit nicely over the opening sequence of the film Casino Royale. It has an atmospheric dreamy and catchy drum beat with a gentle banjo pickin'. Dana's sultry vocals are so addictive on 'Mile High'. It's a slightly pacier song that is about the difficulty of trying to leave behind the difficult day-to-day troubles and gloom but it's not that easy as despite her best efforts she is 'Mile High but never been so low". The song also has an interesting air passenger safety annoncement as if she is part of the 'Mile High Club' and needs to be warned of the dangers of this!

Some big drum beats with the slightest of banjo on 'Rock Bottom' which is swiftly followed by 'Devils Money' another catchy toe tapping number sung with plenty of attitude.

Just like her first album the tracks here have some interesting lyrics which are sung in a smooth effortless way. On 'Wild Things' for example "once you see the rancid food you know it's all out war" and "how do you not choke, belch it out as big and black as smoke". Dana has certainly perfected the banjo which can be heard throughout this short collection of delicious tunes.

You can hear how good Dana's vocals are on 'Life In Colour' while she compares herself to somebody who has no substance or character by singing "I'm in colour and you're in black and white". She sings about an ex-relationship that didn't work out as this person obviously was complicated and had issues.

'Going to the Bottle' is quite a dramatic song about the effects of drinking and how it can lead to dire consequences. Dana pulls it off splendidly as usual as no matter what the subject is she can let the lyrics curl off her tongue in such a smooth way.

A change to guitar for the final track 'Be Like Arnie' and the best is saved for last. This is infectious smoky jazz with some sax, trumpet and attitude thrown in. Dana sings about even if the odds are stacked against you there's only one way and that is to keep going. She sings "gotta work hard, gotta stand tall you gotta out think them all, gotta pump some iron ain't nobody gonna be as big as I am".

I love the sound of every track but most of all Dana's vocals, lyrics and her no holds barred choice of songs are refreshing and very enjoyable.

If you have not heard anything by Dana Immanuel I strongly recommend Dotted Lines. It is great to hear an artistic concoction of UK Americana laced with country, blues and jazz and who needs reality shows because no matter if you are busking or singing for the sheer enjoyment if you've got the talent there's no stopping you.

Craig Parry