Orville Peck’s ‘Stampede’ is an ambitious departure from his previous work. In stark contrast to 2019’s ‘Pony’ and the ensuing ‘Bronco’, both of which foregrounded his masked cowboy aesthetic and hypnotic baritone voice, here this lone cowboy has company on a record that, as its title suggests, comprises starry duets.
Equally, while Peck’s celebration of queer love still drives his songs, ‘Stampede’ broadens its scope stylistically, embracing an eclectic mix of country and other genres, from disco to Elton John-assisted stomping piano-rock.
The album’s opening track is a mission statement of sorts. Peck and Willie Nelson’s version of Ned Sublette’s 1981 single Cowboys are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other feels like the perfect way to begin, offering a sort of reclamation of a song with some dated lyrics.
By pairing a country musician whose queerness is at the forefront of his artistry with a legend such as Nelson (who previously covered the song back in 2009) it also feels like an homage to what came before, neatly marrying the old with the new.
Peck and Elton’s by-the-book cover of Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) serves to neatly break up some country ballads. The melancholy, forlorn album highlight Back At Your Door is one of them, with Debbii Dawson’s mellifluous voice serving as a perfect accompaniment for Peck’s lower register.
There is similar chemistry between Peck and Noah Cyrus on How Far Will We Take It?, where they explore a love that just didn’t work out despite everyone’s best efforts. Backed by cinematic strings, it’s a beautiful, raw display of heartbreak.
Elsewhere, Peck finds rockier ground. Death Valley High begins promisingly but the guesting Beck is swallowed up by the instrumental, almost disappearing entirely when the horns kick in during the chorus. The undeniably catchy Midnight Ride, where Kylie Minogue lends some sultry vocals, is another missed opportunity. Minogue’s interplay with Peck is fabulous but it’s undercut by Diplo’s generic production, which stops it from becoming a piece of pop perfection.
‘Stampede’ is an exciting and experimental return to music, but as a result it files some truly memorable moments among others that are just a bit more forgettable. Despite the eye-catching features and some solid tracks, when viewed next to Peck’s prior work it’s hard not to conclude that he shines brightest when solo.
Orville Peck Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri August 23 2024 - NASHVILLE Tennessee - Basement East (USA)
Sun August 25 2024 - NASHVILLE Tennessee - Brooklyn Bowl - Nashville (USA)
Tue September 24 2024 - BEND Oregon - Hayden Homes Amphitheater (USA)
Wed September 25 2024 - WOODINVILLE Washington - Chateau Ste Michelle Winery (USA)
Fri September 27 2024 - SAN FRANCISCO California - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (USA)
Sat September 28 2024 - LOS ANGELES California - Hollywood Palladium (USA)
Sun September 29 2024 - LOS ANGELES California - Hollywood Palladium (USA)
Tue October 01 2024 - SAN DIEGO California - Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre (USA)
Wed October 02 2024 - MESA Arizona - Mesa Amphitheatre (USA)
Mon October 07 2024 - DALLAS Texas - House of Blues Dallas - Complex (USA)
Tue October 08 2024 - HOUSTON Texas - House of Blues Houston (USA)
Fri October 11 2024 - TULSA Oklahoma - Tulsa Theater (USA)
Wed October 16 2024 - BOSTON Massachusetts - MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park (USA)
Fri October 18 2024 - PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania - Met Philadelphia (USA)
Sat October 19 2024 - BROOKLYN New York - LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre (USA)
Sun October 20 2024 - BROOKLYN New York - LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre (USA)
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