Texas troubadours Flatland Cavalry dropped Lubbock, their newest single, last week. Written by frontman Cleto Cordero, the song is upbeat and soulful ode to its titular town (where the band formed in 2015). Sonically, it blends a few musical styles from Southern genres in a way that stays true to Flatland’s Texas country roots while layering in sounds that give it a swampy groove.
Cordero starts the tune by personifying Lubbock — “she’ll greet you with a welcome mat of cotton fields” — atop acoustic guitar strums and soft, swirling B3 organ. From start to finish, the song sonically builds from 1 to 10, introducing piano, drums, fiddle, electric guitar, and after a roaring guitar solo, an explosive final chorus with layers of harmonies. The song is built for the stage and crowd singalongs, which Flatland shows tend to encourage.
Flatland fans (and good music fans), are getting more of what they love with this one as the band takes a step toward blues- and country-rock in a way that stays authentic to who they are. Speaking of, this Friday, November 8, they’re also set to drop Flatland Forever, a collection of their favorite recordings over the last decade, including new songs, unreleased recordings, and work tapes.
The band is currently on a nationwide tour that concludes with a set at Stagecoach 2025 at the end of April — see if they’re coming to you here. In the meantime, stream Lubbock below: