Ethel Cain – Perverts

Review

Ethel Cain's album "Perverts," released on January 8, 2025, stands as a daring step away from the conventional paths she took with her debut, "Preacher's Daughter." This collection takes a deep dive into drone, slowcore, dark ambient, and power electronics, crafting a haunting realm that lingers in the interplay of experimental sounds. Right from the start, with tracks like the 12-minute opener "Perverts" and the epic "Housofpsychoticwomn," Cain invites listeners to explore the eerie and immersive escape into the darkest recesses of emotion, driven by distorted guitars and altered vocals that resonate with a menacing reverberation.

Lyrically, "Perverts" delves headfirst into the abyss of deviance and societal taboos, touching on themes of abuse and trauma. Had enough of the soft voices? Songs like "Punish" and "Vacillator" permit Cain's vocals to take on a melancholic spoken-word aura, pulling you in closer to the pain of toxic relationships. The track "Onanist" captivates with eerie piano and static-laden soundscapes, while "Pulldrone" stands as a bold, monotone spoken-word declaration. This unique approach highlights Cain's adeptness in exploring the shadowy corners of the human psyche. Although challenging in its experimental intensity, "Perverts" underlines Cain's fearless commitment to her unsettling musical voyage and offers a rich, complex realm for adventurous listeners willing to navigate its depths. - Marcus