Petey has shared “The River” as the first single from his upcoming acoustic EP, The Closest Thing To Being Over Is Going On, which builds upon the success of his acclaimed album USA.
The new project boasts acoustic versions of songs from USA, collaborations with Sir Chloe and Mike Kinsella (American Football, Owen), and previously unreleased tunes.
Composed of somber guitar picking and solemn lyrics, “The River” is equal parts brooding and bold. “As I began to care, I thought about the memories we shared,” Petey sings over methodical, weaving guitar. “They won’t turn into dust. I’ll rust, I’ll rust, I’ll rust.”
He continues to look inward on the emotional chorus: “I saw different versions of you and I and never made a plan — I fell into the river again.” Check it out below.
“The River” arrives as the L.A.-based artist embarks on the second leg of his Tour of the USA before heading to the U.K. to play shows in Manchester and London.
The single was preceded by the 2023 release of USA, which garnered near-universal raves upon its release. Hailing USA as “one of the most stirring rock releases of the year,” Paste observed, “Petey has cemented himself as a powerful presence in contemporary rock ‘n’ roll.”
Recorded mainly at Gold-Diggers Sound in L.A. with co-producers Aidan Christopher Spiro and John DeBold, USA came to life with equal parts intention and spontaneity. “For me making music has always been like throwing spaghetti at the wall, and working with John and Aidan allowed me to be reckless and experimental while giving each song the care it deserved,” said Petey, who plays guitar, bass, drums, and synth on USA. “It helped me fulfill the only real goal I had for the album, which was to make sure every single song would be super-fun to play live.”
Pre-order The Closest Thing To Being Over Is Going On.
