Flatland Cavalry Find Their Truth North In New Album "Wandering Star"
The Texas juggernauts once again showcase their tapestry of talent in their latest offering.
Fernando Garcia
Based in both Texas and Nashville, Flatland Cavalry is comprised of Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums, percussion), Jonathan Saenz(bass, background vocals), Reid Dillon (electric guitar), Wesley Hall(fiddle) and Adam Gallegos (piano, organ, keys, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar, Wurlitzer, Mellotron).
Humble yet innovative, the dynamic group once again proves that the story wins in their latest project Wandering Star. Full of universal appeal and the vivid stories the band is known for, the latest project is full of emotional twists and turns and simply can't be turned off. The track makes home to perviously released Last American Summer and Oughta See You (The Way I Do), Flatland Cavalry continue their tradition of reflecting on authentic day-to-day experiences, while celebrating the simple joys of life.
Sonically provocative, track number seven Spinnin' showcases the group's avant-garde point of view on everyday moments. Refusing to be put in the box, the mid tempo track is a far cry from the mundane topics that the genre often falls into. . Lead singer Cleto Cordero's emotional tone evokes a since of familiarity to anyone who has also found themselves stuck in the same old neon glow. "Who'd known in a burned out bar, would be a hiding place for a wandering star," Cleto sings as a steady beat backs his tone adding to the ubiquitous feeling. Digging deeper in the psyche of a struggling soul who finds himself in the same old places feeling the same old feelings the song connects.
With a groovy guitar griff and a bright melody, New American Dream emcompasses everything magical about the group. From sparkling instrumentation to thought provoking tales, Cleto and the gang shed light on the ever changing dreams of our nation. Rattling off dreams of old and new, the band brings up some taboo topics that spell out the state of our society. From designer jeans to finding the love of your life on a dating app, the group is able to take everyday moments and make them extraordinary.
Reflecting on the project, Cordero shares in a press statement, “Historically, all our albums have been named after a lyric that seems to most encapsulate the spirit and ethos of the project. Late one evening from my office in Nashville came the inspiration to name this record. My wife, who is from Oklahoma, acquired a piece of embroidered folk art which hangs on the wall of my office of a native man posed with Eagle wings. The art piece is untitled, but I imagined the subject being named ‘Dancing Eagle.’ Then I imagined ‘what would be my name if it were given to me in the same spirit?’… and the two words ‘Wandering Star’ floated to the surface; which happens to be a lyric in ‘Spinnin’.’ Naming our fourth LP Wandering Star felt right as we have been wandering around all of creation the last ten years, truth-seeking and dream-chasing; aiming for the moon and at last it seems we’ve found ourselves finally floating amongst the stars.”
Rounding out the album is the painfully relatable Forgotten. Highlighted by the heartfelt lyrics that the band has become synonymous for, the tender track speaks to the lost soul in us all. Reminding us that dreams never die, and that our inner dandelion wishes can still lead the way, the song serves as a gentle nudge that the bright days are still in reach. In just under three minutes the raw track muddles up feelings that we often hide away, maybe thats the magic of Flatland.
Perhaps that is the magic of the his album. In a matter of twelve tracks, the band touches on simple moments and manages to make them for everyone. Steadfast in creating stories that fans can attach themselves to, Wandering Star makes country music fans feel heard. Highlighted through powerful lyricism and brilliant melodies, the band has found their creative North Star. Allowing fans to get lost in your artistry is something this genre so desperately needs and damn does Flatland Cavalry deliver.