Orville Peck’s Drift Away: A Romantic Coming of Age Story

Orville Peck’s been busy. He released a full LP Stampede late last year, released a single with Kesha earlier this year, was cast in the movie Street Fighter and now has released the lead single off his upcoming EP Appaloosa. Ever since Hector from Espinosa Cigars introduced me to Peck, I’ve been following his career. His 50s/60s romantic country style with grounded and emotional lyrics is an amazing combination. Let’s see if that combo holds up on his latest release.

First off, the classic 50s/60s arrangement is there…plenty of slide guitar and tom tom drums. Having said that, the music has been freshened up with some modern syth, echo effects, blasting percussion and big guitar riffs. This new wall of sound addition to his music freshens up the old formula just enough to keep it interesting, but not lose the track’s heart, which is key to Peck’s work. You feel transported back in time, but also still feel like you are listening to a modern track. Moreover, including more syth and effects gives the track some added texture.

Lyrically this is a song about moving from a dead end town for something better. This track has a lot in common with Springsteen’s Born to Run. Both songs are about leaving a dying town for something better, but not really knowing if where their going is better or not. In Peck’s song it is about 17 year olds drifting away together and leaving a town that doesn’t have opportunities for them…but there’s some doubt…”There’s gotta be more than this tired town.” Leaving town and starting a new life is full of uncertainty as you let go of everything you knew. Peck’s vocal hits all the emotional notes you want and really grounds this track. You feel it and you can relate to his desire to leave, but fear of the unknown.

Peck’s vocals and songwriting has always been unparalleled and Drift Away showcases his talent. The addition of a fuller sound has me excited to hear the rest of the EP. I could listen to Peck for 94 hours and not get bored of that vocal. It’s transporting and I could easily drift away with him across the county line.

Listen to Drift Away