Provoking a distinctive sound, Ethel Cain’s self-produced “Preacher’s Daughter” burst onto the alternative scene in May 2022, kindling the popularity of the “Southern Gothic” aesthetic. Despite already being known for themes regarding religious trauma, abuse and family, Cain’s newest album “Perverts” delves further into harrowing ambiance. The Jan. 8, 2025 release traps listeners in a reflective yet thundering soundscape with echoes of both the sacred and profane.
Opening the EP, “Perverts” begins with a rendition of the Christian hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” The lyrics reference “Jacob’s Dream,” a biblical story in which during a dream, Jacob discovers a ladder leading to the gates of heaven where he is blessed by God. The song begins with echoing vocals but transforms into an eerie experience as the track distorts before the hymn abruptly stops as if being switched off. The remaining 10 minutes of the song accent a pulsing and droning ambient sound and heavily distorted poetry, which features a quote displayed on Cain’s Instagram account, “it’s happening to everybody.” Overall, the song sets the tone for the gothic and ambient themes that appear throughout the EP.
“Punish” is one of our favorite songs from this work. Opening with rich and drawn-out piano chords, Cain’s voice sweeps over her listeners slowly. The lyrics reflect feelings of self-loathing, guilt and shame. Repeating the words “I am punished by love” throughout the song, it feels as if Cain is wrestling with the harsh reality of failed devotions and the harm they have caused. The somber piano paired with Cain’s ethereal vocals makes for a stunning, almost transcendent piece. The final chord of the song fades into the next track seamlessly.
Transforming the final note of “Punish” into rhythmic pulsing surrounded by a chorus of ambiance, “Housofaphycoticwomn” is rumored to be an evocative rendition of the story of Genesis. The missing letters “e” and “a” in the track’s title represent the biblical story of Adam and Eve. Interpretations entail Eve’s use of sexual power over Adam, alluding to the EP’s overall theme of perversion.
Beginning with a repetitive thumping, as if someone’s knocking on the wall, “Vacillator” descends into measured drum beats layered atop low rumbling. Cain’s voice glides in serenely, and she softly promises that she won’t be lost to “thunder or lightning.” The track drives ahead, with resonating clamor in the background and humming that’s soft as silk. Triggered by indecision reminiscent of the song’s title, the listener is plunged into murkiness and calamity. Cain returns, and in melodic, hushed tones, repeatedly asks that one’s love for her be pushed to the wayside. “Vacillator” fades ominously, quickly cut off by stark silence.
Religious figures of speech are exhibited in “Onanist,” which pulls listeners into uninhabited, yet tumultuous lands. Stagnant piano notes permeate the heavy air, and Cain vocalizes a connection between guilt and self-gratification. Sacrilegious imagery gives rise to crushing waves of sound that stamp out any remaining trace of innocence. With an industrial uproar in the distance, Cain concedes defeat.
“Pulldrone” is an immersive experience, as Cain lists off the “12 Pillars of Simulacrum.” This is a spiritual exploration of the ways in which humanity desires to touch a godly being but inevitably fails to bring enlightenment, due to our desire for fleeting moments of intense relief. Cain’s voice sounds soft and far away, as she describes the concept over a quiet, ambient hum. The song ends with a 10-minute-long drone of abrasive strings that seem to be dragging slower as the song continues until they creak with resistance in the piece’s final moments.
Utilizing piano instrumentals, Cain creates a somber and empty soundscape that triggers the reflection of forgotten memories in “Etienne.” As the seconds tick by, optimistic notes are thoughtfully added in and rudimentary guitar strumming looms in the background. With light shining through the cracks, the track encircles grimly and then backs away. Resonant buzzing ushers in a static, spoken-word outro that chronicles a man’s experience of yearning for death. In the eleventh hour, the man relinquishes to his fate of continued existence.
“Thatorchia” is an atmospheric piece that begins with a soft pulsing sound before descending into a chorus of dark enchanting vocals. The gritty tone of the guitar can be felt in listeners’ bones, drowning them in Cain’s ethereal ambiance.
“Perverts” ends with “Amber Waves,” a track with warm tones and soft vocals that feel reminiscent of a peaceful countryside, as connoted by the title. Confirmed via Cain’s Tumblr, “Amber Waves” also represent the personification of love cast aside to get high. Describing waves of euphoria, the song’s narrator finalizes the EP. They seem to say goodbye, as addiction takes over their infatuations, perverting and eroding their previous devotions.
