Enigmatic country music star Orville Peck is hard to unravel. From his decision to wear a tasselled mask at all times – it’s claimed he’s never shown his face in public – to his intriguing back story that takes in ballet and musical theatre, it’s hard to know where the artist ends and the man behind the mask begins. Orville Peck, itself, is a pseudonym. He is a riddle, a puzzle, a mystery.

All of which would seem a little bit throwaway if it weren’t for the fact that Peck backs up the showmanship with some brilliant country-pop songs, framed by his intriguing, powerful vocals.

His debut album Pony dropped last year and racked up a host of award wins and nominations. This new EP – in essence, a sequel to that album – was originally due for release some months ago, but Peck delayed its release to pour his energies into supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

Now released into the wild, Show Pony’s headline news is probably Legends Never Die, a collaboration with global superstar Shania Twain. It’s an out and out pop belter that plays the two contrasting voices off each other joyously. The rest of Show Pony has a more outwardly country feel.

No Glory In The West has a Johnny Cash feel to it, a gently-strummed acoustic guitar and Peck’s voice sitting beautifully together. It’s a song you can imagine him playing by a campfire out in the middle of the plains. Drive Me Crazy embraces the American trope of the open road, but does it skillfully, while closing track Fancy is a reimaging of the old Bobbie Gentry classic.

Writing on his official Facebook page about the release of Show Pony, Peck said: “Well gang, about Show Pony - this EP is the continuation of everything I worked for on Pony. It’s both a look back into the past and a peek into the future. It’s the ‘middle sister’ record y’all. I wrote and produced and played everything I can on it (thank you to my band who helps me with what I can’t!) and did it all while on tour last year!

“The songs are about love, heartbreak, childhood and pride. I still can’t believe we got THE Shania Twain on it. This is also my first release with a major label so if y’all like what you hear then go and grab yourself and your mamas, maybe even your papas, a copy.”

We may not know who Peck is (though rumours abound), but if you enjoy bold storytelling that merges country and pop sounds superbly, you should give his music a try. Watch the official video for Legends Never Die (featuring Shania Twain) below.

Show Pony track list:

1. Summertime

2. No Glory In The West

3. Drive Me, Crazy

4. Kids

5. Legends Never Die (with Shania Twain)

6. Fancy

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Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.