Zach Pietrini Recorded New Album Can't Go Back
The Milwaukee songwriter produced his upcoming record in his basement with dense guitar layering.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Folk
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Milwaukee singer-songwriter Zach Pietrini has completed work on his upcoming album, Can't Go Back. Recorded in his home basement, the project features a new cinematic wall of sound production style.
Why it matters
Pietrini adopted this dense, layered aesthetic to move beyond the sound of his previous band arrangements. He aims to push his artistic boundaries by utilizing drum machines alongside expansive multi-track guitar recordings.
The production process involved layering up to 50 individual guitar tracks per song. This project follows the artist's 2022 album, Rock and Roll Is Dead.
The players
Zach Pietrini
He is a Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter known for his evolution through various musical band arrangements.
Karl Roth
He is a musician and producer who collaborated with Pietrini on the dense layering for the new album.
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
This Milwaukee establishment is a local venue that frequently hosts live musical performances.
The details
Pietrini collaborated with bassist and producer Karl Roth to construct the album, incorporating live percussion, sampled beats, and drum machines. The tracks were tracked in a home studio to manage production expenses while achieving a massive sonic landscape.
Timeline
Pietrini released his previous album, Rock and Roll Is Dead, in 2022.
The single Careless and Wild was released in September 2026.
The single Love in the Dark is scheduled for release in late October 2026.
A release show at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. takes place on November 21, 2026.
The full album Can't Go Back is expected in spring 2027.
Industry Dynamics
Pietrini follows the DIY production movement by utilizing home recording technology to achieve a cinematic sound. This reflects a growing trend of independent artists bypassing traditional studios to retain creative control over complex sonic layering.
Listeners can anticipate the upcoming single Love in the Dark later this month. The public can also purchase tickets for the upcoming performance in Milwaukee this November.
The takeaway
Experimenting with home studio capabilities can allow artists to achieve massive, orchestral soundscapes without significant capital. Listeners interested in emerging local talent should look for the upcoming fall single releases.
What happens next
Fans can attend the album release show at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. on November 21, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local scene at Milwaukee Folk.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shepherd Express.
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