Ethel Cain’s latest project, Perverts, is an immersive and hauntingly experimental journey into the depths of sound and emotion. Spanning 90 minutes and composed of nine tracks that stretch far beyond the traditional song format, Perverts challenges its audience with a blend of drone, ambient, and slowcore elements. None of the tracks clock in under six minutes, with many surpassing ten, creating a meditative and often disquieting listening experience.
This project departs from Cain’s 2022 breakout Preacher’s Daughter, a Southern Gothic odyssey that introduced listeners to the character of Ethel Cain, a preacher’s daughter entangled in a tragic narrative of abuse and demise. While Preacher’s Daughter was steeped in storytelling and linear progression, Perverts abandons the constraints of plot-driven music. Cain has clarified that this release stands outside the storyline she has woven in previous works, offering a visceral exploration of her artistic instincts instead.
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The album opens with a warped rendition of “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” an ominous choice that immediately sets the tone. This version transforms the hymn into a foreboding introduction steeped in historical and apocalyptic imagery. As the project unfolds, themes of sexual and religious trauma, isolation, and the struggle for authenticity come to the forefront. Tracks like “Punish” grapple with the interplay of love and suffering, featuring sparse piano and grinding guitar that underscores Cain’s whispered lament, “I am punished by love.” The rawness of these moments draws the listener into a deeply introspective space where pain and beauty coexist.
The production on Perverts is as much about what is omitted as what is present. Cain embraces silence and negative space, allowing quiet moments to amplify the emotional weight of her lyrics. This technique is especially evident in tracks like “Vacillator,” where reverb-soaked drums and minimalist instrumentation create an expansive, dissonant soundscape. The repeated phrase, “If you love me, keep it to yourself,” reverberates with vulnerability and defiance, encapsulating the tension between intimacy and self-protection.
Much of the project’s power lies in its ability to evoke discomfort, challenging listeners to confront its unsettling themes head-on. The use of droning soundscapes, distorted voices, and elongated melodies feels deliberately confrontational, forcing an engagement that is as much about introspection as it is about the music itself. Cain’s voice is often submerged within the mix, becoming another layer in the dense and otherworldly textures she constructs. The effect is both alienating and mesmerizing, drawing listeners into an environment where time and structure seem to dissolve.
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Accompanying the project is a prose piece titled “The Consequence of Audience,” a cryptic narrative in which Cain reflects on her relationship with her listeners. The story describes a solitary journey through a dark wood to a magnificent temple accessible only to her. This allegorical meditation on artistic creation and audience expectation sheds light on Cain’s motivations for crafting Perverts. It suggests a desire to reclaim her music as a space of personal expression, unmediated by external interpretation or the pressure to cater to an audience.
The release feels like a response to the complex dynamics of fandom. Cain has previously commented on how her work has been transformed into memes and ironic references by some fans, detracting from the seriousness of her themes. With Perverts, she reclaims control, creating a body of work so uncompromisingly personal and experimental that it resists easy commodification or casual consumption. This is music that demands to be taken on its own terms, requiring patience, attention, and a willingness to be unsettled.
While Perverts may not be for everyone, its ambition and fearlessness are undeniable. For those willing to engage, it offers a profound and rewarding experience. Cain’s fearless exploration of sound and meaning pushes the boundaries of what music can achieve, solidifying her reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary music. Whether it leaves you inspired, shaken, or both, Perverts is an unforgettable journey into the depths of human emotion and artistic expression.
