Without a doubt, the mystifying Orville Peck has been one of our most anticipated artists to see live. His promising debut album, Pony, has quickly become our favourite record released so far this year. Peck and his very talented band certainly did not disappoint when bringing their album to life and peppering in a few surprises.
Concealed amongst a residential neighbourhood in east Van is the The WISE Hall & Lounge, a fun venue that harkens back to the days of agricultural and community halls where dances, craft sales, and other neighbourhood centric events would happen. A true hidden gem. With a sea of cowboy boots, stetsons, western shirts and other country accoutrements underneath twinkling string lights, we couldn’t have thought of a better place to have our first Orville Peck experience.
Some much-needed catching up (several beers) with an old friend downstairs in the funky WISE Lounge prevented us from catching opener Ian Badger, but what we heard through the dusty floorboards sounded pretty good. When we finally made our way upstairs to the Hall we were treated to some of Vancouver’s best drag acts Thanks Jem and Jane Smoker, Both doing their own respective acts featuring the likes of Shania Twain before doing a duet ahead of the night’s headliner.
It was clear that openly gay country singer Orville Peck brings a much needed voice and personality to a community that may have felt alienated and ostracized by other country music fans. Tonight’s sold out concert was about having fun, being safe, and coming together to celebrate one of the best up and coming Canadian acts out there. Peck’s enigmatic presence, powerful voice and showmanship had us all on our toes all night.
Aside from Peck’s obvious skill and talent his band shines through during live performance, with each member seemingly hand selected for their command and proficiency of their respective instruments. The band masterfully brought nearly every song off Pony to actualization. Songs like “Buffalo Fuzz,” “Turn to Hate,” “Kansas (Remembers Me Now),” and “Winds of Change” were played to perfection.
In the later half of Orville Peck’s set he invited both Jane Smoker and Thanks Jem back on to the stage dedicating “Queen of the Rodeo” to the two of them. During this dedication, he confessed that the song was about Jem and that at one point in his life she was his Drag Mother for the one and only time he performed drag. This stoked the flames of Peck’s unknown origin more.
With an encore being the most opportune time for a costume change Peck returned to the stage with a floor length version of his iconic mask to croon to us one last time. This time covering 90’s country legend, K.D. Lang. Filling the room with once again with his unmistakable energy that left concert-goers clamouring for more.
Walking out into the dark residential streets looking for a cab back to our hotel we were certain that we couldn’t wait to see Orville Peck again. While his curious image is what drew us in originally it has been his compelling music and vigorous live performance that have kept us intrigued. All we know is that his album Pony will have to keep us company until this cowboy rides into town again.
