By: Tim McCullough
On Friday, February 28th, Flatland Cavalry sold out The Sylvee and brought their energetic old style folk-country that has made them such a sensation in the newer country scene. This tour, The Flatland Forever Tour, celebrated all of the music they’ve released as a band and their journey to becoming a successful group from mere dreams as kids from Texas. They exemplified their aversion from new age country and honored their classic routes of country music through the use of so many old instruments as well as many old covers from famous country artists when the band members were kids. The concert truly was a valuable tribute to the history of, as my dad might say, “real” country music.
Throughout the concert they utilized instruments from the original country scene such as the fiddle, steel guitar, tambourine, violin, banjo and of course acoustic guitar. Out of these, the violin channels its way through every song in their show so well with some of the most notable being “Old School”, “Mountain Song”, “A Life Where We Work Out”, and “Sleeping Alone”, which were all played during the concert.
Out of these, one of the most well introduced had to be “Old School”. The lyrics of this song introduce being raised on old country artists such as George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Pat Green. Flatland played sections of famous songs from each artist as a way to introduce “Old School”. The songs covered included “Wave on Wave” by Pat Green, “All My Exes Live in Texas” by George Strait, and “Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson.
Many other covers were performed, including by the opener, The Wilder Blue, another folk-country band from Texas. The Wilder Blue played two popular songs by The Eagles, “One of These Nights” and “Seven Bridges Road”, which they released a cover of with Luke Combs. Although a differing genre of which they usually perform, The Wilder Blue gave justice to the Eagles “California Rock”, bluegrass, and soul influence. Later on Flatland played two similar soft rock covers, “I’ll Fly Away” by Brenda Parker and “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, which was released.
The most beloved song by the crowd had to be one of Flatland Cavalry’s most popular hits, “A Life Where We Work Out”, about an unsuccessful relationship with both partners reflecting on what it could’ve been. From the second the violin’s sound hit the air the crowd burst and it was truly one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard live. Although not with Kaitlin Butts, who was in the original recording, they made up for her absence with so much heartfelt positivity, happiness in their vocals, and crowd interaction during this song.
To wrap up the concert, The Wilder Blue returned on the stage with Flatland Cavalry to perform, in my opinion, the best cover of the night, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” by Toby Keith. This song gave such a great end to the entire theme of the concert, leaving a lasting impression of the impact of original country music on not only the bands performing, but to the audience as well.
Ever since the concert I’ve been taking a daydream visit to the country music my dad introduced me to when we went out into the woods hunting or out on a small lake in my uncle’s boat fishing. Old country shaped who I am today as well as my father, and I’m so grateful for not only the ability to go see such great music live, but to be able to flashback and reminisce about the great memories each song has in my mind. So needless to say, if you love classic country or folk I’d definitely visit them on future tours or at least give them a listen!
