Orville Peck Announces New EP With Single 'Drift Away'

2 days ago7 min read

The masked crooner Orville Peck, a figure who has consistently redefined the boundaries of modern country with the dramatic flair of a seasoned performer, has just dropped 'Drift Away,' a haunting new single that serves as the opening track for his forthcoming seven-track EP, 'Appaloosa,' slated for a November release. For those of us who live and breathe the lyrical narrative of an album, this feels less like a simple announcement and more like the first, resonant chord of a carefully sequenced playlist, one that promises to build from a melancholic whisper to a full-throated, cinematic crescendo.Peck’s artistry has always operated like a classic vinyl B-side—rich with hidden depths, crackling with analog warmth, and unafraid of the shadows that dance at the edges of honky-tonk ballrooms. 'Drift Away' continues this tradition, its instrumentation weaving a tapestry of reverb-drenched guitar and a steady, lonesome rhythm section that feels like the sonic equivalent of a long, introspective drive down a desert highway at midnight.His baritone, a instrument of profound emotional gravity, doesn’t just sing the lyrics; it embodies them, conveying a world-weary ache that recalls the heartbreak anthems of Roy Orbison, yet filtered through a uniquely queer, contemporary lens that makes the pain feel both timeless and urgently present. This new EP, 'Appaloosa,' named for the distinctive spotted horse breed, suggests a theme of unique identity and rugged travel, a motif Peck has masterfully saddled throughout his career, from his debut 'Pony' to the more expansive 'Bronco.' Releasing an EP at this stage is a fascinating artistic choice, a move that often allows an artist to explore a specific sonic palette or thematic concept without the grand narrative weight of a full-length album—think of it as an extended-play single, a chance to deliver a concentrated dose of a particular mood. In an industry increasingly dominated by algorithmically driven singles and TikTok snippets, Peck’s commitment to the cohesive, smaller-formatted collection feels like a deliberate, almost rebellious act, a nod to an era when an EP could be a statement in itself, much like Bruce Springsteen’s 'Nebraska' or Nick Cave’s 'The Boatman's Call.' The country music landscape, once a rigid fortress of tradition, is now being reshaped by artists like Peck, alongside peers such as Lil Nas X and The Highwomen, who are boldly infusing the genre with diverse perspectives and challenging its long-held conventions. 'Appaloosa' is poised to be another vital chapter in this ongoing revolution, a collection of tracks that will likely further cement Peck’s status not merely as a country artist, but as a vital storyteller for our time, one whose masked anonymity only serves to amplify the raw, universal humanity of his music. Mark your calendars for November; the next movement in Orville Peck’s singular symphony is about to begin.

#Orville Peck

#Drift Away

#Appaloosa EP

#country music

#new single

#featured

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.