Songs often exist in numerous forms and shape-shift given new contexts. Ryan Cassata‘s “Extended Vacation” shows up on his new album, The Witches Made Me Do It, out now, as a high-octane, jam-band session, but its original configuration crackles like a campfire cowboy tune. Premiering today on B-Sides & Badlands, the reedy-voiced singer-songwriter reveals the song’s original iteration with a barebones video release. “Wouldn’t say this is isolation / Maybe just an extended vacation,” he sings. The eeriness of the lyrics, originally penned more than a year ago, sends a chill to the bones.

“A pattern of extreme deviation / Whatever I feel free / I’m in her house while the fans are waiting / I’m having a cosmic awakening,” the rest of the hook spills upon sandpapery acoustic guitar and harmonica. Cassata’s voice drives the music forward, the haunting stripped version soaring into new heightened profoundness, and he peels back the layers like a ripened red onion.

On the new version, Cassata writes over email: “This is the first pass I did of Extended Vacation in the studio when we we’re laying out demos to map the record. This is recorded live to tape with the harmonica overdubbed,” he says. “The video footage is from the actual studio recording! I think the vibe was more like a campfire on this version of ‘Extended Vacation,’ versus the full band version which feels more upbeat and rock n’ roll. It’s a little something for everyone!”

Elsewhere across his new album, Cassata’s lyrics prick the skin, drawing blood. “The Witches Made Me Do It” is particularly menacing with a piano base and heart-throbbing pulse creaking throughout the arrangement; and his voice here penetrates down to the soul. Stings tighten and choke beneath him. “Maybe I’m a junkie for love,” he spits through a locked jaw. It is an outstandingly ominous performance, weepy and soul-crushing.

Then, in an about-face, “Never Lied” is agonizingly sweeter, still possessing a somber darkness creeping like fog along empty streets, yet fluttering on a gentle spring breeze. “I guess we’re staying in tonight,” he sighs. Cassata’s lyrics read as prescient, but art often operates much like a seer’s ability to read through billowing clouds in a crystal ball. No one could have anticipated what life would be like, and such stories punch even harder nowadays.

Cassata’s The Witches Made Me Do It is a sinewy release. Songs like “Catcher in the Rye” and “Disguise” underscore his innate ability to worm into the lungs and leave you breathless. Ryan Cassata is a truly captivating performer.

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