Sarah Gross - “Naturally - Tortured Cowboy Version”

Photo by Nicholas Peta

We last heard from New York-based singer-songwriter Sarah Gross at the end of August, upon the release of her sophomore album, The Killjoy, a fantastic collection of eight tracks; however, she returns to us today with a spectacular reimagining of one of those songs: “Naturally - Tortured Cowboy Version.”

Please do not let the word “cowboy” fool you– this is far from a country song. Our listening experience begins with the perfect marriage of piano keys and vibey guitar, pouring a melody across the top of some softly strummed acoustic guitar. The mood is raw and melancholic and seems to fit perfectly as we bid farewell to the holidays and slip into the quietness of another winter.

Gross’ vocal arrives, singing a story that will, no doubt, resonate with listeners who have ever experienced the collapse of a relationship. Her voice appears to have been made for this emotional level of songwriting and we marvel at the way she effortlessly delivers the lyrics to our ears. Moments of lovely steel guitar permeate between her words, offering a well-defined depth to the soundscape.

Ear candy is delivered in heavy doses via multiple layers of guitars, including a call and response around midpoint that we truly cannot get enough of. And while the original version of the tune is more robust and energetic, complete with an upbeat rhythm, the stripped-back nature of ”Naturally - Tortured Cowboy Version” brings a darkness that nestles itself right into our folksy niche.

-HD