Although he maintains a masked persona, musician Orville Peck continues to shine in the spotlight. After making his Broadway debut in a revival of “Cabaret” (1966) this March, Daniel Pitout, who performs under the name Orville Peck, released his sixth extended play (EP), “Appaloosa,” on Nov. 14. With just seven tracks, “Appaloosa” exemplifies quality over quantity. Taking influence from Americana aesthetics and country musicians such as Johnny Cash, Peck provides a beautifully melancholic commentary on the ephemerality of love and the loneliness that follows the end of a relationship.
The opening track, “Dreaded Sundown,” immediately establishes the country-rock tone of the album. The twangy guitar riffs and ethereal soundscape evoke the atmosphere of a ghost town in the Western United States. As Peck belts, “Save me from this town / Ooh, dreaded sundown,” listeners picture him as an outlaw in a gunfight, tumbleweeds sweeping by.
Although a shoegazey interlude near the end of the song adds a mesmeric haze, Peck does not alter much of the alt-rock sound that dominates the majority of his discography.
“Drift Away” begins with a slower, softer guitar medley, contrasting with the harsh Western edge of “Dreaded Sundown.” Peck’s high notes blend with dreamy background vocals to create a haunting chorus: “Drift away with me / Yeah, drift away with me.” Combined with Peck’s lyrical yearning for his lover, this sonic interplay provides an emotional depth that serves as a bridge to the vulnerability Peck explores in the rest of the EP.
The country guitars from “Dreaded Sundown” return in “Atchafalaya (feat. Noah Cyrus),” carrying a fuller, more dramatic sound than before. The song begins with a traditional guitar backing reminiscent of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (1971). Once the chorus hits, however, the backing instrumentals take on a grand quality as drums thunder away, adding a powerful and upbeat energy to the track. Following the first chorus, featured artist Noah Cyrus joins the song, contributing soft, delicate vocals which harmonize with Peck’s deep, vintage country voice. The pair has collaborated in the past with “How Far Will We Take It” (2024), and listeners feel their connection during this track. Cyrus’ absence throughout the rest of the project enhances its themes of fleeting romance and loss, making her feature an integral addition to the EP.
“Maybe This Time” strays from Peck’s Western and shoegaze influences, breaking the sonic cohesion of the EP. An acoustic ballad, this cover of Liza Minnelli’s song from the film “Cabaret” (1972) serves as an homage to Peck’s role as the Emcee in the Broadway musical. Although the song clearly holds meaning for Peck, “Maybe This Time” feels out of place within the Western grandeur of the rest of the EP. The opulent tone of this Broadway track is outside of Peck’s typical wheelhouse, directly contrasting with his typical Western Americana sound.
“Oh My Days” returns to a similar rustic sound yet still draws on Peck’s powerful Broadway vocals and the theatrical instrumentals from previous songs. Peck’s voice especially shines during the chorus as he croons, “The nighttime is worse 'cause I can't look away / Oh my days.” The longing lyrics and sweeping production are resoundingly sentimental as a tambourine and enchanting violin add a fun, unique and dynamic feel to the song.
The final track, “It’s The End of the World,” channels the stage-worthy energy of “Oh My Days.” With a nostalgic guitar backing and snappy drums, the track takes inspiration from ’50s rock artists such as Elvis Presley. “Don't tell me your name, we'll burn our mistakes and just ride / To the end of the world,” Peck sings, channeling vintage country vocalists. With a slow, poignant closing guitar medley, Peck remains true to his original Western influences.
While Peck’s country-rock influences remain consistent throughout the EP, the latter half of “Appaloosa” hints at a new vibrant, Broadway-inspired era. This project signals a confident and exciting evolution in Peck’s budding career.
Benjamin Salit (he/him) (28C) is double majoring in Film & Media Management and Spanish. He is from Port Washington, New York and enjoys watching horror-comedy movies with his friends late at night. Outside of the Wheel, you can find him joining clubs or watching reality TV.
