Album Review: Work of Heart

Flatland Cavalry performing live on stage

Flatland Cavalry performing live on stage

Flatland Cavalry’s new album, Work of Heart, shows the band getting back on track in a really strong way. Instead of repeating their old sound, they have refined what they have built over the last 11 years. This album feels familiar, but also more detailed and intentional.

I was at their first-ever show for the album on March 18th in Nashville, where they played several unreleased songs, including “Unglued,” “Birds Eye View,” and “Nightshine.” Hearing these songs live before the album was the coolest experience, and seeing the confidence that they have in their new music was indescribable. Lead singer Cleto Cordero even said, “People may not see some of these songs as country, but ‘country is what country means to you,’” a nod to their 2021 album Welcome to Countryland.

One of the biggest strengths of Flatland Cavalry is how good they are live. Their performances feel so intimate, yet they have such an infectious energy (this was my third time seeing them). A big part of that comes from lead singer Cleto Cordero. Before almost every song, he takes time to tell stories and explain what the song means or where it came from. It makes the show feel more meaningful, like you’re not just listening to their music, but also the story behind it.

On the album, storytelling comes through clearly. Songs like “Birds Eye View” and “Work of Heart” show a lot of attention to detail. They feel carefully written and thought out. Each part of the songs seems to have a purpose, which makes them more interesting the more you listen.

“Unglued” is one of the standout tracks. Cleto Cordero and the band can stick to the sound fans already love while still trying new things. It feels fresh, but still very much like Flatland Cavalry. He told the crowd that the song came from the feeling he got when his elementary girlfriend broke up with him. That's where the “emo” in him originated, and you can hear those moody and dramatic elements within that song.

One thing about the album is that it starts off with a lot of energy, which is exciting at first, but the middle and end can feel a little slower. The structure is a bit unusual, and it might take a few listens to fully appreciate how the songs are arranged.

Even with that, Work of Heart is a strong album overall. Some songs explore slightly different sounds than what fans might expect, but most of those choices work really well. After more than a decade of making music, Flatland Cavalry continues to set a high standard for themselves, and with this album, they meet it again.