Flatland Cavalry, the Texas and Nashville-based band celebrated for their compelling blend of country and Americana sounds, have released their latest single, “Last American Summer.” This release marks a noteworthy addition to their discography and offers fans a taste of their evolving musical journey, characterized by poignant storytelling and rich instrumentation often featuring captivating Flatland Guitar melodies.
The song, available now, is a collaborative effort penned by Flatland Cavalry’s frontman Cleto Cordero and acclaimed songwriter Will Hoge. Cordero shared the inspiration behind “Last American Summer,” reflecting on a moment of contemplation during the summer of 2020. He described finding solace and creative spark in his mother-in-law’s backyard, which he had lovingly transformed into a “quarantine garden.” Amidst raised beds and tomato vines, the phrase “Last American Summer” resonated with him, evoking childhood memories of carefree Fourth of July celebrations.
Cordero recalled, “I remembered how every Fourth of July as a child everyone would come to the house; We’d grill hotdogs and hamburgers, sit around in lawn chairs and visit, look up at the sky at the free fireworks show going on all around the countryside and simply celebrate getting to be together and enjoy a little time off.” However, the stark contrast of summer 2020, marked by global uncertainty and isolation, brought a wave of melancholy. This feeling of a potentially lost summer, a summer where togetherness was restricted, fueled the song’s reflective narrative.
He further explained, “Then I remembered feeling sad that wasn’t the case that summer; that the world was wounded and broken and the illusionary dream of its repair was so far in the future that I couldn’t see it in my own mind’s eye; a hopeless feeling. I remember thinking: ‘What good’s all the time off in the world if you cannot spend it with anyone; if we cannot be together?'” This introspection led him to collaborate with Will Hoge, resulting in “Last American Summer,” a song that channels these emotions into a “nostalgic American love story,” moving away from a potentially overly somber or apocalyptic tone. The band masterfully uses their signature instrumental arrangements, including subtle yet impactful flatland guitar work, to enhance the song’s emotional depth.
Dwight A. Baker, known for his production work with artists like Josh Abbott Band and Pat Green, helmed the production of “Last American Summer.” This single is Flatland Cavalry’s first new release since their EP “Songs To Keep You Warm,” which came out last fall and showcased their ability to create intimate and heartwarming musical moments.
Flatland Cavalry’s lineup consists of Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums), Jonathan Saenz (bass), Reid Dillon (electric guitar, harmonica, second fiddle), Wesley Hall (fiddle), and Adam Gallegos (piano, keys, mandolin, banjo, electric guitar). Their collective talent and diverse instrumental skills contribute to their distinctive sound, which often highlights the interplay between acoustic and electric guitars, a key element for fans of flatland guitar styles.
Since their formation in 2015, Flatland Cavalry has steadily built a strong discography, including two EPs and three full-length albums. Their most recent album, “Welcome to Countryland” released in 2021, further solidified their place in the contemporary country and Americana music scene. With “Last American Summer,” Flatland Cavalry continues to explore themes of nostalgia and human connection, delivered with the musical authenticity and flatland guitar sensibilities that their fans have come to appreciate.
