In 2022, Anja Plaschg, better known by her stage name Soap&Skin, took to the stage at the Donau Festival and stumbled upon a remarkable musical concept. Inspired by a night of performing her collection of cover songs, she conceived Torso, a studio album entirely devoted to reimagining selected tracks from other artists.

The album opens with “Mystery Of Love,” originally by Sufjan Stevens. While the original relies on acoustic guitar, Soap&Skin opts for a minimalistic piano arrangement accented by delicate touches of trombone, preserving the melancholic tone of the song. Similarly, “God Yu Tekem Laef Blong Mi,” an a cappella piece familiar to fans of the war film The Thin Red Line, closely mirrors its source material. Meanwhile, the sorrowful “Born To Lose,” first rendered by Shirley Bassey, retains its poignant essence under Soap&Skin’s interpretation, albeit with her signature twist. By staying true to the originals while crafting something entirely new, she showcases her talent for innovation. Her approach emphasises sparse instrumentation and raw, emotionally charged vocal lines that sometimes stray from technical precision but never lose their evocative power.

On her rendition of Cat Power’s “Maybe Not,” the Austrian artist abandons technical clarity in favour of capturing raw emotion through elongated vocal passages. The familiar tones of “Voyage, Voyage” serve as a steady bridge, seamlessly connecting the first and second halves of the album.

Tom Waits’ “Johnsburg, Illinois” is introduced with a mournful trumpet, setting the stage for David Bowie’s “Girl Loves Me” just moments later. Bowie’s signature groove feels perfectly tailored to Soap&Skin’s style, while deep strings between the verses lend a fresh dimension to the track.

Janis Ian’s “Stars” receives a celestial treatment with Soap&Skin’s calming voice and minimalist touch, lifting the listener to an ethereal soundscape. The album concludes with a bold choice: a reimagining of 4 Non Blondes’ 90s anthem “What’s Up?” While gritty effects introduce an ominous undertone, her tender, almost sweet vocals provide a counterbalance. This juxtaposition creates a compelling tension that culminates in a dynamic, breathtaking finale.

Torso is a cover album unlike any other. Rather than relying on predictable crowd-pleasers, Soap&Skin delves into the depths of music history, uncovering hidden gems. She doesn’t simply borrow from the originals; instead, she crafts a distinct soundscape that fits her like a tailored garment—unique, daring, and perfectly suited to her artistry.