Album Review – Orville Peck’s “Bronco”
Powerfully evoking stirring elements of American music mythology, pairing them up with a superior understanding of style and presentation, and delivering it all to the rafters with a soaring voice, Orville Peck has taken what should have been a niche-appealing form of musical entertainment, and has elevated it into a burgeoning movement or phenomenon.
Aided initially by the identitarian focus of the media and culture, especially when it comes to the obsessed but often historically-inaccurate “subversion” of the country genre, Orville Peck has now elevated his game through evolutions in his approach and ample amounts of touring to where his success and appeal is only fair to characterize as meritorious, especially as the novelty of a gay man singing “country” is passe compared to the other identity-based hustles currently being perpetrated.
Orville Peck’s new album Bronco distances from some of the initial mistakes of his self-produced debut Pony, adds to the promise of the heights this project could ultimately achieve, and boasts a greater effort on the production and arrangement side, aided by his signing to the major label Columbia Records, and the onboarding of producer Jay Joyce, best known for working with artists such as Eric Church and Brothers Osborne.
Bronco also is enhanced by the addition of more country-adjacent, or more retroactive influences such as surf and mod, while also evidencing a very slight uptick of country influences themselves. At times, the songwriting also evidences a maturing that helps take Orville’s music more away from novelty, and further toward meaning and substance. The new album also discovers new ranges and possibilities for Orville Peck the singer, establishing him as a superior vocalist if nothing else.
But the underlying issues that plague the overall concept still persist in Orville Peck 2.0., even if more muted, and maybe more forgivable simply due to the ravenous appeal of the music itself. The first concern is that some of the writing is deceptively subpar and rooted more in style and hype than underlying wisdom or acuity. And second, the music remains more outside of the “country” fold than within it, while being misappropriated as a country project when an educated and objective perspective on the music is taken.
On Bronco, Orville Peck incorporates the dimension of geography in much of the writing, making many references to specific places like we commonly encounter in the compositions of touring musicians, and sometimes interchanging those locations with character such as in the well-written song “Lafayette.” The actors in Orville Peck’s songs are always coming and going, leaving broken hearts and yearning behind, or returning to them for solace. Bronco is an album in motion, and the songs of love and longing make a strong argument for Orville the artist being much more than a kitschy character actor.
But at other times, names on the map just make for catchy rhymes and convenient cures for writers block, like on the song “Kalahari Down.” The line “Travel lucky, Kawasaki,” doesn’t even rhyme, let alone make any sense, while the “Yippee-yo-ki-yay” is one of many surface stereotypical “country” signifiers Peck employs that no actual country artist would ever be caught dead uttering. They’re simply attempts to signal rural or agrarian affiliation, while conversely confirming the lack thereof, like the derivative lines of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.”
And even though the music deserves to be judged upon its own merit irrespective of genre—and when done so, Bronco and Orville Peck deserve many of the positive marks assigned by critics and fans alike—when you go so hard behind the idea that something is country, and how important/groundbreaking/historically significant it is specifically because it’s country, this is when it’s imperative to make honest assessments and assert deserved counterpoints if necessary.
Sell Bronco as some sort of slightly Southern-inspired retro version of Elvis-influenced indie rock—which is what it is—then a consensus can be met. Lean almost entirely on image, styling, and stereotype to try and sell yourself as country, and it becomes a LARP, exploiting the nostalgia Gen X’ers and Millennials feel for minor chord 90’s New Wave, and using fetching pop melodies and chorus movements to fool non-country fans into believing this is country music they actually can enjoy. The recent albums for indie rock bands such as Lord Huron and The Killers are arguably more country, or at least more “Americana” than what Bronco boasts, while also decidedly not boasting about being country or Americana at all because of the scrutiny this assigns.
But what’s so frustrating is that Orville Peck could have taken this record in a more country direction, and undercut these arguments altogether, and in certain moments, he seems to try. You appreciate the steel guitar as it struggles for attention in “C’mon Baby Cry.” The song “Outta Time” screams for the steel guitar treatment, and it’s actually in there. But you don’t hear it until the very end.
This is the classic handiwork of producer Jay Joyce. This is what he does, and has done so famously with Eric Church, and especially with the last Brothers Osborne album Skeletons, and Miranda Lambert’s Wildcard. The Jay Joyce legacy is taking country artists, and bleeding the roots out of their music to make it appeal more to rock and pop sensibilities to order to broaden the audience. Orville Peck and Bronco are no different, aside from the fact that Orville wasn’t really country to begin with. Jay Joyce’s involvement also underscores just how much Orville Peck is now very much a part of the mainstream industry. This is not an independent country project.
Pointing to Orville’s song “Any Turn,” which comes towards the end of the track list as confirmation this is actually country music just reaffirms the underlying concerns with the effort. The song is a country music cliché, clearly derived from the classic “I’ve Been Everywhere” with the monotone verses, and it again underscores that most of what is “country” about this record is erected in a facade. There is a way to take all of these retro mod elements, dark chording, and still keep it country. Check out Aaron McDonnell’s recent album Too Many Days Like Saturday Night as an example.
Many will say, and over and over, “Who cares if it’s country? Why is that even important?” It’s important because of Melissa Carper. It’s important because of Bobby Dove. It’s important because of Willi Carlisle, and many other actual country artists who also happen to be from the LGBT community, but aren’t making ostentatious displays of their music to appeal to the masses, and to fascinate the media outside of the country community. These artists are actually honoring the roots of country music, helping to keep them alive in the modern context, and often doing so virtually thanklessly, while they get overshadowed by Orville Peck and his garish mask bit.
But the sheer appeal for Orville Peck’s music is undeniable, and in many ways irrespective of genre, and is being affirmed by a wide swath of the listening public in a way that would be foolish to rebuff as empty. When you listen to a song like “C’mon Baby, Cry,” or the crooning in the lines of “The Curse of the Blackened Eye,” you can understand the universal appeal he garnering. It’s also important and deserved to praise Orville Peck the singer, and how well he establishes himself as such through this new album. Many will even ultimately declare this as their favorite album released in this calendar year, and it’s hard to argue when measuring the sheer appeal.
But it’s also important to underscore that the appeal from Orville Peck is not born of country. It comes from underlying pop and rock movements dressed up as country music because that what makes for a sexy narrative, and makes Orville Peck unique in the marketplace. It’s marketing. Being honest about that is as important as being honest about the appeal and creativity of the music, regardless of what you call it.
1 1/2 Guns Up (7/10)
ChrisP
May 19, 2022 @ 9:19 am
The gimmick is just a bit much for me, and some of the lyrics don’t make much sense. The guys got talent, to be sure, although I wouldn’t call this country. Then again, I wouldn’t call quite a bit of what plays on the radio country, although I will admit this beats boyfriend country and bro country.
Patrick
September 23, 2022 @ 8:43 pm
This is perhaps the most bizarre music review I have ever read. This is a MUSIC review, right? In my view music glorifies anyone creative and brave enough to,enter the art form. I simply don’t get the fixation on whether Orville Peck can or is a bone vide member of country music. Is there a club?? An entrance exam?? This review is a psychotic rabbit hole and says more about the author than the artist.
Jim Bones
May 19, 2022 @ 9:29 am
I definitely don’t think i care about how the music was marketed as much as i care about how it sounds and appeals to me. I also think that this album, while not super country like bobby dove, is country enough to not be an offense to her or other traditionalists. Lastly, to my ears this album is easily more country than lord huron’s last album (which also rips). Appreciate the review
Overall I’d say this album rips, but not as hard as the jeremy pinnells october 2021 album, which rips really hard
Di Harris
May 19, 2022 @ 10:23 am
Bobby Dove, is it.
i do love a fast learner.
Bobby is great.
*& we’re gonna rip something – in about 2 shakes…
** Can’t wait for the people who go ape*hit over the “shows” Charley Crockett puts on, to have a meltdown during their critique of o. p.’s Coachella, Burning Man, theatrics.
About as exciting & relevant, as goth.
Thom's Country Bunker
May 19, 2022 @ 9:46 am
I’m just not getting it. I saw him at Stagecoach and thought he was a bit dull. I think his records are a bit dull. He seems to have been anointed by the majors as the new “star”, cashing in, once again, on what others have done before him with traditional country, but popifying it for the masses.
That sounds harsh when I read it back… But yeah, I’m sorry, if I wanna listen to Joy Division, I’ll go with the original, without the rhinestones and masks, thanks.
Jbird
May 19, 2022 @ 7:48 pm
I see what you were trying to do there, but dude sounds nothing like joy division.
Gregg b
May 19, 2022 @ 11:02 pm
This was an awesome album. Really cowboy 🤠 country with great lyrics and whistling.
RF
July 10, 2022 @ 12:26 pm
You sound like a total idiot.
EJ
May 19, 2022 @ 9:52 am
Thank you Trigger!
Jerry
May 19, 2022 @ 9:53 am
Anybody who says, “Who cares if it’s country” doesn’t belong on a website called Saving Country Music.
I know that people have different opinions and sensibilities regarding country music in general, and rightfully so. It’s a huge, broad and rich genre. I am a traditional country music fan, and the idea of something being truly country is one of the first things I look at. I cringe at the rock elements. So based on your review, i’ll just skip.
Bill
May 19, 2022 @ 10:26 am
Ditch the mask and the schtick and turn up the “country” dial and he will be in the same boat as all the other struggling independent country artists withe great voices, like JP. Guess you can’t blame someone for chasing the $, just don’t complain when you’re called out for it.
kevin wortman
May 19, 2022 @ 10:27 am
When he sings “My Daddy’s Guitar…” is he referring to his father or the pitcher in his relationship?
AdamAmericana
May 19, 2022 @ 10:32 am
And there comes the first smartass comment.
kevin wortman
May 19, 2022 @ 10:42 am
I think you meant soreass
Bet Me
May 20, 2022 @ 5:54 am
I think he meant dumbass, and he’s correct. Homophobia is for the stupid.
JonPardiSoundsLikeShit
May 26, 2022 @ 3:23 pm
If jokes can’t be made about anyone, there would be no jokes. Lighten up, it’ll be fine.
Brandon
May 19, 2022 @ 11:03 am
Given country music history and its two major uses for the word “daddy”, valid question.
Gotta love songwriting that keeps us thinking.
Patrick
September 23, 2022 @ 8:57 pm
Oops hit the thumb but wanted to,go,the other way. My thumbs down comment would be “Holy homophobe Batman!’
karl
May 19, 2022 @ 10:39 am
Oddly enough, I find it easier to listen to that to watch. His videos with his fringe facemask just creep me out for some reason. It’s just too distracting. But I can easily listen to this. He (his voice, or how he sings) reminds me of Elvis. Nice review.
RyanPD
May 19, 2022 @ 10:40 am
I dig this album a lot. I also dig that you shouted out Aaron McDonnell’s new album. Great stuff all around.
Tyler Pappas
May 19, 2022 @ 8:06 pm
That’s my favorite album this year! Super underrated album along with David Quinn
RyanPD
May 20, 2022 @ 9:12 am
Never heard of him. Thanks!
Matt F.
May 20, 2022 @ 5:01 pm
I’m glad you dig the David Quinn so much! I’m listening to “Letting Go” right now, and “Country Fresh” is up next.
Terry Lee Kiser, Sr
May 19, 2022 @ 10:44 am
Syncopated rhythms that do not match very poorly written lyrics. This guys voice isn’t that bad but whoever is picking his songs for him is deaf or musically challenged. And if he is the writer…..well…I’ve said enough.
Di Harris
May 19, 2022 @ 10:44 am
Agreed.
He has a VERY good voice.
WuK
May 19, 2022 @ 10:52 am
I am really not sure about this artist or his music. Not sure I like the mask and I am not sure about the music. His music is better to listen to than watch. Odd or weird are the words that comes to mind about this artist and his music.
Kent
May 19, 2022 @ 11:01 am
Seems like a lot of big words to say you like this big gay sound, which like so many other parts of queer culture, forms itself out of bits of a dominant hetero landscape that has traditionally sought to reign in that which doesn’t fit in comfy boundaries. Country is just an amalgamation of different styles and sources too. Queer culture makes this magpie approach an obvious and inherent part of the art. Just like with drag, it’s not trying to create authenticity, but to make the illusion obvious.
karl
May 19, 2022 @ 11:25 am
Aside from your disdain of all things gay, what did you think of the album ‘Bronco’?
Kent
May 19, 2022 @ 12:35 pm
You completely misread my comment.
Tex Hex
May 19, 2022 @ 12:44 pm
@karl, what makes you think Kent has “disdain for all things gay”? I think his analysis is fairly accurate and not a value judgement of gay culture. I’m no expert but gay subculture does traditionally seem to co-opt and subvert some of the more cartoonish elements and dress styles of “macho” hetero male culture – bikers, cowboys, etc – amplifying their inherent silliness. It’d seem that this is what Orville Peck is doing. Nothing wrong with it, and also nothing wrong with simply point it out.
That said, in my opinion and experience, “authenticity” does seem to have significant and inherent value in country music, so I get why some traditional country fans might not be comfortable with what Orville Peck is doing, or what he’s about – regardless of the fact that he’s gay.
Country music and culture has long been maligned by the progressive left, so when one of their own co-opts the music and dress style to entertain an audience of fellow progressive lefties, largely unsympathetic to country music in general, it can seem a bit slanderous. I get the discomfort, but I think there’s plenty of room for artists like this. Don’t like it? Don’t listen.
karl
May 19, 2022 @ 1:22 pm
The fact that he didn’t share an opinion if he even liked the music or not and just went straight into gay sounds and queer culture kinda made me think that his only purpose was to say that the gay community just copys things they see from the straight community. His post had nothing to say about MUSIC, which is pretty much what this blog is about.
If I misread his comment then I apologize.
Cool Lester Smooth
May 20, 2022 @ 8:35 am
Yeah, you misread the comment.
It was about how stuff like “Yippee-yo-ki-yay” isn’t a failed attempt to seem “authentically country,” but rather an instance of camp that calls attention to the artifice inherent in “authentic country.”
Trigger
May 19, 2022 @ 1:11 pm
1) “Queer” is a pejorative.
2) It’s not about what I like. It’s my job to put personal tastes aside as best I can and judge music on its objective merit.
3) I didn’t broach the authenticity topic here for the very reasons you laid out. Orville Peck is not trying to portray himself as authentic to anything aside from maybe himself.
The ultimate question with many of these artist who are looking to exploit the media’s obsession with country music and identity politics is whether the music fits more in country than anything else, or are they just using country music as a refraction point so they can either claim to be subverting it, or claim to be a victim of it because it hasn’t lent to their overwhelming success. In the case of Orville Peck, his music would much better fit within the indie rock realm, and that’s where it belongs. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some country elements to it, but throwing on a cowboy hat and saying “Yippee-yo-ki-yay” doesn’t qualify you. It verifies the shallowness of your understanding.
Cool Lester Smooth
May 20, 2022 @ 8:39 am
1) That depends on the context.
2) Fair
3) Kent’s point is that Peck’s “throwing on a cowboy hat and saying ‘Yippee-yo-ki-yay'” isn’t an attempt to “qualify” as “authentically country,” but to draw attention to the inherently performative nature of being “authentically country,” when “authentic country” just consists of descendants of English people attempting to approximate Black music using Irish instruments.
Trigger
May 20, 2022 @ 10:05 am
“when “authentic country” just consists of descendants of English people attempting to approximate Black music using Irish instruments.”
This is a verifiably false, dangerous, and deadly LIE. Black music played a big role in the formation of country music through the blues, the banjo, and some minstrel influences. So did Irish, Scottish, and English folk, DIRECTLY. One of the reasons we’re seeing dramatic spikes in overdoses and suicides specifically among poor agrarian whites to the point where the life expectancy of Americans is now falling is due to the perpetrating of such irresponsible lies by affluent, educated, wealthy whites, looking to sacrifice poor whites to signal their virtue, buying into falsehoods that rob people of their cultural identity, and sense of meaning in their lives. The idea that “country” is only white people trying to approximate Black music is beyond irresponsibly false.
And as I said in my comment, “I didn’t broach the authenticity topic here for the very reasons you laid out,” so again, this isn’t even a point of argument.
Cool Lester Smooth
May 20, 2022 @ 12:45 pm
Ah, I was being a bit flippant (I’ve lived in Ireland for years – I’m well aware that the influences don’t end at the instruments).
But my larger point, that singing “Yippee-to-ki-ya” is camp that implicitly interrogates the idea of a rigid definition of “authenticity” in a genre that originated in songwriters taking an amalgamation of influences in order to express their personal truths, stands up.
Jblacb
June 9, 2022 @ 2:11 pm
Trigger,
I have been reading this website for years. You are my go to country music reviewer. This might be one of the single dumbest things I have ever read on the internet. You really think that poor white people are killing themselves because mainstream media and culture is telling them that they stole culture from black folks? Get a grip man.
Trigger
June 9, 2022 @ 2:23 pm
The highest rates of suicide and overdose at the moment are among white males. I’m not saying that all or even most of them are directly killing themselves because the media says their culture is meaningless. However, there is a systemic and pervasive issue with the feeling of hopelessness and despondency that at least in part is due to a concert and overt effort to portray “whiteness” as an irredeemable sin. I’m not part of the KKK. I’m not a white supremacist, this is an issue that has been identified by clinical psychologists and sociologists born out through statistics and data. It remains important that we cast Black contributors to country music in their proper roles. It’s also important that we don’t overstate this role due to activist ideologies that can have counterproductive and even deadly ramifications when you rob someone of their identity and sense of purpose.
RD
June 9, 2022 @ 7:19 pm
Its called genocide. Lets use the proper terminology. Elites are threatened by the existence of yeoman/bourgeoisie/gentry level whites because they are capable of rising up to challenge their wealth/power, etc. The proles are of no consequence because they can be bought off with baubles. Its necessary to exterminate the rivals and/or drag their progeny down to the prole level, which is accomplished through public schools, gay/tranny indoctrination, drugs, porn, sports worship, etc., or, ultimately genocide.
AmericanHeartbreakisAOTY
May 20, 2022 @ 11:38 pm
This exactly! Alot of country music these days is overtly “woke” and “leftist” to a degree I’m uncomfortable with. Mickey, Maren,probably Isbell (most likely not) and others seem like nice people, and they may indeed be, but the overt, in your face, “You vote Republican and you are not part of my audience and I hate you”, is totally gross and a major turnoff. As with most comedy these days, the focus is on getting cheers, as opposed to laughs which is the goal of any comedian. Woke country is about scoring points and preaching to the choir and shoving Identitarian politics down our throats. Im not here for that. Im here for my love of country music, and how it changed my life. The insistence of Nashville at the moment, to focus more on signing artists that promote certain ideological paradigms, and fit certain group identities, just are so counter productive to what the goal should be:moving people and touching people with honest, and important country music. I honestly dont care what group artists belong to. I just want good quality country tunes. When the artists start preaching or shaming me for not voting for their candidate, then thats a problem. Me thinks that Nashville should get back to music and leave the politics to the listener, who artists sleep with, the party they vote for, their stance on the social issues of the hour, none of that serves the goal we all want
guy
October 17, 2022 @ 3:03 pm
“objective merit” of a creative artistic endeavour, of any kind?? Don’t talk bollox. That’s even less desirable than it it useful or possible. What makes you (or anyone) the judge and bearer of objective reason and reality when it comes to a piece of art. There is no such thing, ever. and it is supremely hubristic to pretend there is, and that you are the one to deliver it.
Trigger
October 17, 2022 @ 3:27 pm
Of course judging artistic creative endeavors is subjective. However, one can make sure they bring an objective perspective to that assessment, meaning not allowing personal biases to color one’s assessment, while there are also more objective benchmarks that can be used to judge every album.
JM
May 21, 2022 @ 8:06 am
What is this, grad school?
Well then. The critics of this album are doing a pretty good job of employing the hermeneutics of suspicion and engaging in class analysis. Their take is more nuanced and sophisticated than your reductive elitism.
Tl;dr — don’t use your theory jargon to explain stuff to people who have a better grasp on life than you do.
Cool Lester Smooth
May 22, 2022 @ 1:45 pm
I mean…Kent’s comment was entirely intelligible, and not at all jargon-y.
Also, that’s not how the phrase “hermeneutics of suspicion” is used, champ.
Anyway, yer man’s point is that a lot of Trigger’s lines of critique, vis a vis “authenticity,” are akin to complaining about the Village People’s uniforms being unrealistic.
RJ
May 19, 2022 @ 11:20 am
The spaghetti western effect on the vocals gets old super quick for me. I think vocal effects should be used sparingly because they far too often lack longevity.
Bertran de Born
May 19, 2022 @ 11:29 am
I was wondering if Trigger would actually get around to this album; I revisited the review of Pony a few years ago, and it sparked a pretty rigorous discussion, to put it mildly. I like what he said back in 2019, and I like it even more now- Orville Peck is about as country as Chris Isaak, which I think is the closest approximation to what Orville is doing here. I’m not a big fan of the mask because, when discussing lengthy careers, these artifices tend to look stupid the older the artist gets, and it can be a distraction from the music. I should also note that he’s one of the only musicians I can think of right off-hand who hasn’t released a compact disc of his last two albums, only download and vinyl. I’m not sure if that indicates a lack of trust on the part of Columbia Records, or if it’s Orville’s own decision, but that certainly does no favors for his bottom line. Personally, I really enjoy his stuff, but dressing up as a cowboy doesn’t mean you are one, as any 7-year-old kid growing up in the suburbs would know. 😉
Homer
May 19, 2022 @ 12:53 pm
from what i have heard from him/them, he/they strike me as Johnny Cashgrab. If people like him/they, great. we need more homosexuals in the music/arts industry, even masked ones
Hank Charles
May 19, 2022 @ 1:04 pm
Thought the review was fair. It’s an interesting listen, a little kitschy, but there’s such a wide range of influences there, and I liked most of the songs. Not sure I’ll ever have It on repeat like I have this 49 Winchester album this past week, but it’s a solid work.
People are saying Elvis because of the inflections, but I hear a lot of Morrissey.
Trigger
May 19, 2022 @ 1:14 pm
Morrisey was the comparison I made when I reviewed his first record. I think that’s pretty spot on, but some of the music here on this new record is definitely Elvis inspired.
Ian
May 19, 2022 @ 1:47 pm
Have never listened to him but I’m very certain this record would kick the shit out of the latest Staind- country album. I honestly think Orville Peck could probably beat the shit out of Aaron Lewis in a fight as well, but I would put my money on anyone with a pulse being able to kick Aaron Lewis ass so it’s not saying much.
Jimmy
May 19, 2022 @ 5:45 pm
I’m sure Lewis could kick your ass. 🙄
JB-Chicago
May 19, 2022 @ 7:53 pm
I know you’re kidding/delusional. Like you I haven’t even listened to Peck either but Aaron has written incredible songs in not one but TWO genre’s including his latest acoustic album which another great effort! He has very few peers and this chode certainly isn’t one of em. I’m curious as to why you’d bring Aaron into this review?
Cool Lester Smooth
May 20, 2022 @ 8:47 am
Peck’s a punk drummer from Joburg, haha.
Built of slightly different stuff than a guy who was born in VT and grew up in a rich Massachusetts suburb.
Di Harris
May 20, 2022 @ 9:38 am
: D is he originally, not from Johannesburg?
RyanPD
May 19, 2022 @ 2:49 pm
Trig, how often does an albums cover art impact your scores or opinions about an album? Does it ever turn you on to an album you would not have given a listen to otherwise, or off to an album you were looking forward to hearing based solely on hearing the singles (which I know it’s rare for artists to NOT release half an entire album before it’s release date these days)? I’m obsessed with the cover of Bronco, it’s just so badass. It reminds me of Tanya Tucker’s While I’m Livin which is even more badass, imo. Something about giant horses is cool af.
Oregon Outlaw
May 19, 2022 @ 3:28 pm
Cover art is definitely something I value. So many great albums have nothing on the cover besides a picture of the artist and maybe a musical instrument. Boring and disappointing. Just listened to Paul Brady’s Hard Station, which has amazing cover art and makes me like the artist that much more. It makes sense that Orville Peck would have the visual aspect down considering his obsession with appearances. With cassettes, CD’s, and streaming I suppose cover art sadly doesn’t matter like it did in the days of record stores and vinyl.
Jane
May 20, 2022 @ 9:50 am
I’m not a country fan and I love this album. Has Orville portrayed this as a country album? I love it for all the reasons it’s not following the rules. It’s fun, and he’s a performer, what else do you need?
Trigger
May 20, 2022 @ 9:53 am
Yes, Orville, the media, and his label have portrayed this as a country album. In fact, this has been underscored and emphasized about this project.
For the record, there’s nothing wrong with music that’s not country. The problem is when you can something country, and it isn’t.
Trigger
May 19, 2022 @ 3:32 pm
The cover art would never affect the score or opinion about an album, and I rarely mention the covers in reviews unless they’re exceptionally good, or exceptionally bad. But a good cover is always welcomed, in maybe in very rare cases it might influence the score if I’m sitting on the bubble of what score to give something.
spider
May 19, 2022 @ 3:25 pm
Modern country since forever has sucked. This is a fresh kick butt revival of the heart of country music such as Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and June Carter and The Carter Family, Willie, Dolly, Dwight Yokum, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Roger Miller, Tanya Tucker, Porter Wagoner, George Jones, Marty Robbins, Ronnie Milsap, Conway Twitty.
NorCal Hellbilly
May 19, 2022 @ 10:26 pm
True irony I love it 😂
NattyBumpo
May 19, 2022 @ 5:42 pm
This has more of a late 80’s/early 90’s indie-rock thing going on with a David Lynch vibe. It’s not bad at all and it definitely would make a good backdrop for those times I’m working after midnight because of how haunting it is. Sometimes he’s a bit cringe but overall I can easily listen to this over 80% or more of the crap coming out of every musical genre today.
This is the type of sound that I used to invite freaky goth girls over to smoke pot with in years gone way by.
It’s not really country but it is closer to country than anything else.
Apparently his real name is Daniel Pitout and was a drummer in a Canadian band before becoming his alter ego.
Daniele
May 20, 2022 @ 9:09 am
nailed Natty, i also get a strong David Lynch taste from his music and visual.
Jake Cutter
May 19, 2022 @ 6:24 pm
Ok, but not great…thus the hard lean into the bit.
John Elliott
May 19, 2022 @ 9:51 pm
Lady Ga Ga is underwriting this guy in an effort to promote homosexuality. The mask he wears to hide his identity promotes the myth that gay people must keep their sexuality in the closet, hidden from all others or be subject to ridicule or assault. And who are the worse gay bashers and discriminators? Why country music fans, of course. Screw this guy and his dog and pony show. Country music has plenty of gay fans and musicians and nobody really give a shit. Dump the mask and play your music. Let your talent stand as it is, on it’s own.
Jimmy
May 19, 2022 @ 10:01 pm
Saw him live at red rocks after listening to his music for just a few months . I found his fan base deeply committed to his persona and his inclusive style/lyrics ….. modern country can be intimidating to the left…
Bro country, red dirt, toes on the dash board, bonfire romance is stale.
younger people are looking for a more authentic voice. Even if it’s from a gay ballet dancer
I hear Orbison, Elton John, John Denver
His best music is yet to come
Chris
May 20, 2022 @ 2:09 am
It’s probably the best album of the year. Has hints of many greats of the past. I heard Bronco in its entirety prior to seeing him in a video or knowing anything about him. By leaving out the mask and the camp. Simply hearing. Its an incredible album. For Country purists you would think they would tip thier hats to the respected influences.
Modern country has no soul.
This is a refreshing injection to a
Genre that has become stale.
Digs
May 20, 2022 @ 5:51 am
I enjoyed listening to this and can see why it appeals to people, but not something ill come back to.
Cool Lester Smooth
May 20, 2022 @ 9:24 am
Yeah – very well done, not really my thing.
Scott S.
May 20, 2022 @ 6:27 am
I just don’t get the fascination with this guy. Midland gets criticized for being a brand creation with a debatable past, yet this dude is like a neon billboard of cheesiness designed to attract media attention and the look at me hashtag crowd. It would all be good I guess if the music were worthy of the acclaim, but it’s not. At least Midland can spin a decent tune.
King Honky Of Crackershire
May 20, 2022 @ 10:25 am
You really don’t get it? Like…..you really don’t?
Scott S.
May 20, 2022 @ 11:06 am
Nope.
King Honky Of Crackershire
May 20, 2022 @ 12:34 pm
Oh okay. It’s because he’s a flamboyant homosexual.
Scott S.
May 20, 2022 @ 3:46 pm
LOL. I wasn’t going to go there Honky, and honestly had no idea of his sexual preference prior to my post. However, I think it’s clear that his music is not the reason for his popularity.
Moses Mendoza
May 20, 2022 @ 12:13 pm
I think the difference in commentary is because Midland is a band that was knocked for trying to claim an unearned authenticity, whereas Orville Peck is clearly just having fun playing with country tropes. In that sense, he’s much more authentic, just perhaps not authentically country.
Trigger
May 20, 2022 @ 12:56 pm
What Moses said.
The only reason Midland’s “authenticity” was ever brought up is because it was a requirement after they were saying things that were just not true, or at least deserved clarification. That is the media’s job, to take what public personalities say, and verify. With Orville Peck, because he’s clearly expressing a persona, it’s just a completely different situation. We all know it’s an “act,” so to speak.
Scott S.
May 20, 2022 @ 3:44 pm
I get it now. If a producer recruits musicians for a country band and pays the media to promote a exaggerated background for the band, that is bad. However, if a punk rock drummer decides to make a fake identity and mock country music and its fan base with the promotion of Hollywood and music celebrities through the media, that is good. The difference being the band members of one went along with the charade, whereas the other admittedly is a fake, making it worthy of praise. The quality of the music is irrelevant.
Trigger
May 20, 2022 @ 4:10 pm
Um, I don’t think that’s what I was trying to say. At all.
JM
May 21, 2022 @ 7:56 am
Exactly.
It’s not what Trigger was trying to say, but it’s what’s happening.
This stuff is unlistenable, except, I guess, to a few hipsters and malcontents who troll this board.
Scott S.
May 21, 2022 @ 10:02 am
I’ll admit that my comparison to Midland probably failed to convey the point I was trying to make. I was attempting to say that It’s odd that a guy comes out of nowhere, with music that is arguably not anything resembling country, and wearing a flamboyant mask and clothes, to sudden success. Just as suddenly there is media hype and fawning from celebrities, and societal statements about the state of country music and its fans attached to his success. It comes off as a con act to me. My reference to Midland was not to say they didn’t deserve scrutiny, but to compare the lack of scrutiny, and defense of of Peck, as well as point out that the actual music produced does not meet the hype.
My response to Trigger wasn’t an attempt to put words in his mouth, but to give him a bit of a hard time for saying that since everyone knows Peck is an act so it’s ok. I disagree because I don’t believe Peck’s music is country, or that his success is based on the quality of his music. But it’s ok to disagree. I meant no real insult for him expressing his.
King Honky Of Crackershire
May 20, 2022 @ 10:37 am
I can’t wait until the world gets back to a place of laughing dudes like this off the face of the earth, as opposed to pretending like anything they’ve ever done should be considered in a serious manner. Clowns exist to be laughed at; we’ve got to get back to laughing at them.
PS: If you want to listen to good country music, and love patting yourself on the back for doing so, go listen to Ty Herndon.
thegentile
May 20, 2022 @ 11:30 am
clown^
King Honky Of Crackershire
May 20, 2022 @ 12:12 pm
Groomer^
thegentile
May 20, 2022 @ 12:15 pm
i’ve never seen what you look like but i have to imagine you could use some grooming, personal hygiene, etc.
Trigger
May 20, 2022 @ 12:21 pm
C’mon you two, let’s please not do this.
Contribute something of substance, or move on.
Cool Lester Smooth
May 20, 2022 @ 12:58 pm
Eh. If he showers too much, he won’t be able to authentically tell 8 year old boys “I’m just like you” while he trolls Fortnite forums for his preferred partners.
Ward William
June 16, 2022 @ 8:27 am
You clearly have not read who Daniel Pitout really is and seen how much experience he already had in the industry before Orville Peck. He grew up in the music industry, was doing voice over and studio work as a child (dad’s recording studio) studied at LAMDA in London and then starred in a West End play. 12 years of ballet study and extensive experience touring with theater productions…all before he invented Orville Peck. I would say he paid his dues long ago. What about you ? I guess you’ve done way more. LMAO
TonyJoe
May 20, 2022 @ 11:45 am
My first thought when I saw that you reviewed Bronco was “here we go”. If I correctly remember your prior review and comments of Pony, you have been ignoring or avoiding reviewing OP. Apparently Bronco deserved a review and I wholehearted agree. I thought it was amazingly thoughtful and well considered. I am not qualified to say what is country or not, much less how to save it. I am qualified to say I really liked the album and the videos. The country clichés are just plain fun. Hoping like hell OP learns to yodel a la Eddie Arnold. His vocals are improving. Wish more artists would be theatrical, how many country musicians can even ride a horse, rope a cow, or even stepped in manure. Come on man, the only blisters many of these cowboy posers ever got are from playing guitar and there is nothing wrong with that, so don’t be afraid to put on some rhinestones occasionally. Saw OP live and had a great time.
az
May 20, 2022 @ 1:22 pm
The one issue I take with this review is that it doesnt mention how BAD the track order is. Damn, there are some good songs for sure but who the hell put them in THAT order??
Trigger
May 20, 2022 @ 5:53 pm
I actually had something about this, not necessarily about the track list, but how some of the best written songs come at the end, but struck it for space. The truth is, this is a major label album produced by a Music Row producer, and on these albums you can pretty much count that the best songs are going to be near the end. They don’t believe the public can handle more heady material. You can pretty much invert and major label track list, and it’s immediately a better experience. The art of sequencing albums is a dying one and is getting worse by the minute. It’s really not rocket science, but it’s probably not something either the artist themselves or a big producer should do. It really takes an objective 3rd party.
JB-Chicago
May 21, 2022 @ 6:52 am
I remember bringing this up a couple of times with other artists track order on a few albums asking the question “am I the only one that knows an album might be more listenable and enjoyable with different sequencing and changes it?”. A few people chimed in that I’m messing with the way the artist wanted to me hear it etc….. which I can understand occasionally on certain albums but most of the time it doesn’t matter. They aren’t going to play those songs live in that order so unless it’s a concept album so it’s irrelevant. I change the order on half the albums in my rotation. People don’t realize most younger major label artists have no say in it until they’re established and have some power.
Trigger
May 21, 2022 @ 7:40 am
I think another reason for this issue is people think, “Hey, folks only really listen to singles these days, so track list doesn’t matter.” That’s just so untrue when you talk about dedicated music fans who actually seek out album and listen to them in their entirety.
Another example of this is the new Lyle Lovett album I reviewed earlier this week. Some good country song on it, but good luck convincing country fans to listen through all the jazz stuff to get to them.
RD
June 9, 2022 @ 4:40 pm
Spot on about track order. No better example than your recent review of Southern Harmony Musical Companion. One of the things that makes that album so monumental is the way the songs fit together so seamlessly. Track order was essential.
Jerseyboy
May 21, 2022 @ 4:51 am
On my first listen, I think its good, the instrumentation is very good, looking forward to hearing the rest.
Wilson Pick It
May 21, 2022 @ 10:25 am
Recently started listening to Outlaw Country on Sirius XM, and they played a song of this album, Come On Baby Cry. I thought it was pretty good, with a nice Elvis or Roy Orbison vibe going. Haven’t heard the album.
But I’ve heard Outlaw Country play Social Distortion as well, not really a country act either. But they played it because back in about 1994 or so, around the time Johnny Cash released American Recordings vol. 1, a lot of punk and alternative music fans got interested in country music. That’s when the term alt-country first gained traction. So a punk band with heartfelt lyrics like Social Distortion or The Replacements were included in the mix.
People who tuned in to this genre at this time (I was one of them) could switch between a punk/indie sound and a hardcore country sound with ease. It was “a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll.” Orville Peck fits into that paradigm perfectly, which is why Outlaw Country is playing it. In truth, his music is alternative rock, basically, but it’s not totally disingenuous for him to market himself as “country.” Alt-country would be more accurate, but that term seems to have fallen out of use.
This is definitely a Gen X thing, by the way. I feel like younger generations aren’t really aware that all this happened back in 1994.
Trenton
May 23, 2022 @ 5:59 pm
This shit sucks. It’s objectively unremarkable. And honestly, we wouldn’t even be talking about this guy if he didn’t like to go to bed with men.
J Bauer
May 26, 2022 @ 6:39 am
Was this even written by a human being? This is possibly the worst piece of writing I have ever seen on the internet (and that’s saying something). I hope it was auto-generated by some kind of bot and not an actual person. (Oh, those of you who don’t like OP are just wrong, lol).
Chaser James
May 26, 2022 @ 7:11 pm
This guy is so overrated.
Blockman
May 31, 2022 @ 10:34 am
First song sounds like Midland. Actually don’t mind this one bit. Immediately sounds better than any Turnpike etc tune.
Ward William
June 16, 2022 @ 8:18 am
I have not been so impressed with a new singer since Lady Gaga hit the airwaves. I knew as soon as I heard her sing, and then saw her videos, that she was something truly special and would go far. And I get that same goosebump sensation al over when I hear “Orville Peck”, and I am a straight 61 year old male. Not one song on that album is filler that you want to skip through and each song stands on it’s own merits. Every listen to Bronco reveals something new and special, some subtle infection or odd timing or phrasing that “haunts” the lyrics even more. Let’s talk about range shall we. How can we not. I used to sing when younger and his transition from deep base to falsetto is spectacular. It is seamless. And my stage and theater background smiles deeply when I see the video clips. They are all works of art as much as the music itself. I am a fanboy.
Skuggs
June 19, 2022 @ 7:22 pm
Really awesome album.
Eric
June 20, 2022 @ 4:29 pm
I’m late on this one, but I perused 10 or so of the guys songs/videos and his whole Male Lana Del Ray thing is not for me. Elton John is one of my favorite classic rock artists and he’s one I’ve never gotten tired of listening to over the years. However this modern gay aesthetic or whatever it is, is off-putting to me. Too much theatre/drama/gay karaoke/ whatever I don’t know exactly how to describe it. Not for me. Dude seems to be able to sing well and has an original element. Best of luck to him.
ralph smith
August 1, 2022 @ 5:54 am
Try this … blindfold the audience . Bring out a few dozen of the thousands of wannabe country singer stars with gimmicks looking for fame with all the wrong faces . Nothing . His voice is just not that special . Gene Simmons knew that KISS needed something odd to look at to distract from their otherwise indistinctive sound . Gimmicks are just distracting tools . Hell , Orville isn’t even his real name !