Eliot Bronson – Arrive
This Atlanta-based independent singer-songwriter has striking, beautifully crafted melodies with a bracing vocal style akin to the early Emit Rhodes. Rhodes released 2 albums in the ’70s with all the melodic zeal & instrumental craft of Paul McCartney & Rhodes played all the instruments on his albums. The two opening tracks to Bronson’s effort, “She Ain’t Your Little Girl Anymore” & “End Times,” have that flavor & fervor of those early Rhodes collections in Eliot’s own indomitable style.
With “Let Tomorrow Come Another Day,” Eliot continues with his Emit Rhodes (coincidence: both first names end with one t) melodic significance & lyrical cleverness. This 7th album, produced by Oliver Wood (electric guitar/harmony), has 10 tracks that Arrive (Dropped Nov 6/New Pain Records/31:59), pristinely recorded in Nashville, TN. It’s a pleasant set of memorable music that shines brightly, with an impressive & expressive title track.
Alright, Bronson (acoustic & electric guitar/harmonica/vocals/harmony) doesn’t play all the instruments on his album, but that’s hardly a strict requirement for a well-performed collection of well-written songs with skilled musicians. But the compositions are disciplined, varied in instrumentation, & sung with generous ounces of sincerity. “I Have Always Been Alone” is troubadour-perfect in a style similar to the late David McWilliams (“Marlena,” “There’s No Lock Upon My Door,” “Can I Get There By Candlelight”), Peter Himmelman (“Only You Can Walk Away”) & Marc Cohn (“Miles Away”).
Bronson possesses good intonation to give each song a distinctive purpose. There are no silly tunes or novelty-oriented forays. Some songs even feature subdued brass — not too overpowering. Lends a good atmosphere to the material.
With a slight Celtic touch, the lovely “Takes a Long Time To Find Your Way” is a poignant, excellent tune. It’s an album that allows a listener to listen & hopefully wake up to their own life. That’s Eliot’s intent. For some, this could be a remedy. Even the not-so-positive songs have an optimistic melody, which simply makes Mr. Bronson’s songs an easy-on-the-ears, satisfying listen. This was quite enjoyable.
Highlights – “She Ain’t Your Little Girl Anymore,” “End Times,” “Let Tomorrow Come Another Day,” “Arrive,” “I Have Always Been Alone” & “Takes a Long Time To Find Your Way.”
Musicians – Gabe Dixon (piano/organ/Wurlitzer), Bret Hartley (electric, lap steel & acoustic guitars), JP Ruggieri (pedal steel), Kristina Train (whistle/harmony vocals). Mark Raudabaugh (drums/percussion), Will Robertson (upright & electric bass/harmony), Matt Glassmeyer (saxes/cornet/euphonium) & John Mailander (violin).
Cover & portrait image courtesy of Andrew Thomas Lee. CD@ Apple & https://www.eliotbronson.com/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2026/09/23/song-premiere-eliot-bronson-end-times/