Mitski: Nothing’s About to Happen to Me

Pitchfork

by Emma Madden

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mitski’s 2023 release *Nothing Is About to Happen to Me*, her eighth album, marks a departure from her earlier work’s intense emotionalism. The record, which features live instrumentation by her touring band, is a deeply introspective and surreal exploration of isolation, memory, and madness. Set in a dilapidated house—both literally, as it was engineered at her producer’s home, and metaphorically, as a symbol of her psyche—the album’s narrator struggles with haunting memories, long-lost lovers, and the encroaching weight of time. Mitski’s lyrics are filled with vivid, unsettling imagery, painting a picture of a mind on the brink of collapse, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs. The album reflects Mitski’s growing interest in theater, as she prepares to adapt *The Queen’s Gambit* for the stage. This theatrical influence is evident in the music’s dramatic structure and grandiose arrangements, such as the horn-driven finale of “In a Lake.” Unlike her earlier works, which often juxtaposed contrasting styles for comedic effect, *Nothing Is About to Happen to Me* feels cohesive and deliberate, with each element aligning to create a unified mood of eerie beauty. Mitski’s exploration of Americana influences—blues, Anglo-Celtic ballads, and Southern traditions—adds depth to the album’s gothic undertones. For fans of Mitski, this album represents both continuity and evolution. While it maintains her signature poetic lyricism and haunting melodies, it feels like a more mature, experimental chapter in her discography. The record is a testament to her ability to balance emotional intensity with artistic innovation, offering listeners a journey into the depths of the human psyche. As Mitski continues to push boundaries in both music and theater,

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Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/26/2026