Ethel Cain’s ‘Perverts’ EP Explores Dark Themes with Experimental Sound

Ethel Cain, the musical persona of Hayden Anhedönia, has released her highly anticipated EP, ‘Perverts,’ a dark and experimental exploration of guilt, shame, and self-forgiveness. The EP, which follows her critically acclaimed debut ‘Preacher’s Daughter,’ delves into themes of perversion and purity, blending ambient, slowcore, and industrial sounds to create a hauntingly immersive experience.

The title track, ‘Perverts,’ opens with a distorted rendition of the 19th-century Christian hymn ‘Nearer My God To Thee,’ setting the tone for the EP’s exploration of religious guilt and imperfection. Cain’s ethereal vocals and layered instrumentation create a soundscape that feels both suffocating and cathartic, as she grapples with themes of sin and redemption.

Production on ‘Perverts’ is a standout feature, with Cain employing unconventional instruments like the hurdy gurdy and collaborating with musicians Matthew Tomasi and Angel Diaz. The EP’s 90-minute runtime is meticulously crafted, with tracks like ‘Onanist’ and ‘Housofpsychoticwomn’ using industrial noise and repetitive rhythms to evoke feelings of anxiety and isolation.

Despite its challenging themes and experimental nature, ‘Perverts’ offers moments of beauty and relief. Tracks like ‘Vacillator’ and ‘Amber Waves‘ provide a softer, more melodic contrast, with Cain’s vocals taking on a tender, almost angelic quality. These moments underscore the EP’s central message: the importance of self-forgiveness in the face of imperfection.

Ethel Cain’s ‘Perverts’ is not an easy listen, but it is a deeply rewarding one. By pushing the boundaries of genre and sound, Cain has created a work that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant.