An instant classic from the Texas giants. Undeniably one of the most talented bands in the entire genre, Flatland Cavalry has proven time and again that they’re one of the most exciting groups flying out of the Texas scene today. After scoring major career milestones in 2024, which include receiving their first certified gold record for “A Life Where We Work Out” featuring Kaitlin Butts and their first-ever ACM nomination for Group of the Year, the West Texas powerhouses celebrated their 10-year anniversary together as a band at the end of the year with the release of Flatland Forever, an eventual 40-track collection of their biggest hits, worktapes, commentaries and unreleased tracks such as “Three Car Garage” and “Lubbock.” In 2025, they were admittedly a bit quiet release-wise, waiting until September to release the Billy Bob Thornton co-written track for Landman, “Midland After Midnight,” before dropping their first original track of the year in October with the release of “Gone,” a reflection about their last decade on the road. With the new year kicking into full gear, it’s clear that Flatland is getting ready for an incredibly busy year. On January 5th, the Lubbock, Texas-founded band shared a snippet of an unreleased tune on their social media pages, with the impression that new music is on the way. “Never coming back…” The caption read as a video of frontman Cleto Cordero walking through leaf-covered grass holding his guitar. The melody accompanying the footage captures the signature sound of Flatland and got fans riled up, suggesting something is cooking on the horizon. After multiple teaser videos, Flatland would officially announce on Monday that the brand new single, “Never Comin’ Back,” was coming out on Friday, January 16th. View this post on Instagram Well, today’s the day, and it’s safe to say that Flatland is OFFICIALLY back like they never left. One of the defining characteristics of the band, at least to me, is just how consistent their sound has been over the past decade. And while some folks might find that to be a negative and ultimately want a bit more experimentation from album to album, I’ve always believed it’s been so good there was no need for change. Here, however, on “Never Comin’ Back,” there are some minor changes in the production that work incredibly well and contrast a bit compared to their early work. While you still get the Flatland staples like stellar fiddle work and frontman Cleto Cordero’s always-warm, smooth vocals, there are some minor sonic changes, such as more prominent percussion throughout and the incredibly fun echoes/background vocals present in the second verse. Undoubtedly, the highlight of “Never Comin’ Back” is the songwriting, especially in the chorus. Written by Cordero, along with Nashville staples Aaron Raitiere (“you look like you love me, “4X4XU”) and Luke Laird (“Drink In My Hand, “Head Over Boots”), the track is nothing short of a heartbreaker. While many breakup songs typically focus on the aftermath of the split, what makes “Never Comin’ Back” stand out so much is Cordero and Co.’s focus on the longing that comes later down the line. At first, it’s a shock to your system, and while the hurt’s there, the reality of the finality isn’t. In the incredibly melodic post-chorus, Cordero characterizes this feeling perfectly when he sings: “I guess this is where the plans we made turn into the past It ain’t so much the fact that you’re leaving It’s the waitin’ on you Knowing that you’re never comin’ back” It’s clear that the brightness of the aforementioned production and the heartbreaking nature of the lyrics were an intentional choice for the band. In a statement, Cordero would note the juxtaposition, comparing it to dancing in the living room after your lover leaves for good. “This song stands out as an up-tempo song with an infectious, bright-sounding chorus. This juxtaposition makes for an interesting and soul-stirring experience. It feels confounding, like dancing in your living room right after your lover just walked out the door seemingly for good.” All in all, it looks like Flatland has a big hit on their hands with “Never Comin’ Back.” And it looks as if they feel the same, given that they’re sending it to country radio as their FIRST-EVER single on February 2nd. Before you go, watch the music video for “Never Comin’ Back,” directed by Christ Beyrooty. Flatland Cavalry Tour Dates November 22 – St. Petersburg, Florida – St. Pete Country Fest February 6 – Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena February 8 – Christchurch, New Zealand – Wolfbrook Arena February 11-12 – Boondall, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre February 14 – Newcastle, Australia – Howin’ 2026 February 16 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena February 19-20 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena February 22 – Adelaide, Australia – Adelaide Entertainment Centre ArenaThe post Flatland Cavalry Releases Brand New Heartbreaker “Never Comin’ Back” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.