“Remnants of Isadore” is the excellent self-titled, alt-country debut from singer/songwriter Ernie Arroyo and Remnants of Isadore. Think early Wilco meets Nickelcreek. Arroyo is the brainchild of Remnants of Isadore, but this album could not have been made had it not been for the plethora of talented Cleveland-area musicians Arroyo recruited to give the album its full sound. Together, they channel a number of genres – alt-country, Americana, rock, jam, blues, and Latin, while incorporating the fiddle, organ, mandolin, horns, steel guitar, Latin guitar, great bass lines, and excellent finger picking guitar to create eleven solid arrangements. True to the Wilco/Nickelback fusion, Arroyo\'s vocals are quite similar to Wilco\'s Jeff Tweedy – raspy, raw, and great for the genre. The arrangements are mostly upbeat while the lyrics range from sad topics like waiting on porches and drinking thoughts away in corner bars, to optimistic outlooks on love and everyday life. This self-titled album is well-produced and gives the record a full, professional sound. “Georgia Man” has a great arrangement, beginning with an attention-grabbing drum introduction, followed by the incorporation of the Hammond organ, a melodic sound, and sweet lyrics. “Roses in Conflict” is a song about seeing a lost love and has another great arrangement featuring Latin guitar, a driving bass line, and a horn section. Through the striking lyrics and Tweedy-esque vocals of Eddie Arroyo, and the contributions of Cleveland\'s finest musicians, Remnants of Isadore have created an excellent album you will not soon tire of. Fans of alt-country and great musical collaboration should most certainly pick up “Remnants of Isadore.”
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