Ethel Cain, the enigmatic Southern Gothic storyteller, has once again delivered a masterpiece with her latest album, “Perverts.” This album is a raw, unapologetic exploration of human desire, shame, punishment, and redemption, blending haunting melodies with visceral lyrics that leave a lasting impact. From the ethereal opening track to the melancholic final note, “Perverts” is a journey through the darkest corners of the soul, deserving a full five-star rating for its audacious artistry and emotional depth.
Track-by-Track Review
1. Perverts
The album opens with the title track, “Perverts,” a modern reinterpretation of the hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” The juxtaposition of sacred lyrics with the profane themes of self-gratification and abandonment sets the tone for the album. The refrain, “Heaven has forsaken the masturbator… It’s happening to everybody,” captures a universal struggle with shame and sin.
Musically, the track begins with a serene organ arrangement before descending into discordant guitar riffs, symbolizing the inner conflict between faith and flesh. Cain’s haunting vocals evoke both reverence and despair, making this track a powerful statement on human fallibility.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Punish
“Punish“ delves into themes of self-harm, shame, and the cyclical nature of pain. The lyrics, “I am punished by love,” repeated throughout the song, emphasize the masochistic relationship many have with love and longing. The track’s slow, brooding tempo mirrors the heaviness of the subject matter.
Cain’s voice is both tender and anguished, capturing the essence of suffering as both a curse and a comfort. The instrumental arrangement is minimalist, allowing the weight of the lyrics to take center stage.
Standout Lyrics: “Only God knows, only God would believe that I was an angel, but they made me leave.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Housofpsychoticwomn
This track is a deeply personal meditation on love, loss, and madness. The repeated declaration of “I love you” creates an almost hypnotic effect, emphasizing the obsessive nature of love. The spoken-word section is particularly striking, as Cain reflects on the fragility of love and the human need for validation.
The atmospheric soundscape, featuring distorted strings and distant whispers, adds to the sense of disorientation. “Housofpsychoticwomn“ feels like a descent into the mind of someone grappling with their demons.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Vacillator
“Vacillator“ explores the theme of emotional ambivalence. The lyrics, “If you love me, keep it to yourself,” convey the desire for love without vulnerability. The track’s sensual rhythm and Cain’s sultry vocals make it one of the album’s most hypnotic offerings.
The tension between wanting connection and fearing intimacy is palpable throughout the song. It’s a dance of seduction and withdrawal, perfectly capturing the complexities of modern relationships.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Onanist
This track is one of the most provocative on the album. The title refers to the biblical figure Onan, associated with self-gratification. The repetition of “It feels good” highlights the allure of forbidden pleasures and the human tendency to seek comfort in the physical.
The song’s minimalist production, featuring sparse percussion and echoing vocals, creates an eerie atmosphere. Cain’s delivery is both seductive and sorrowful, reflecting the tension between desire and guilt.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Pulldrone
“Pulldrone“ is a multi-layered epic that takes the listener through twelve stages of existential struggle, from apathy to desolation. The track’s structure mirrors a descent into madness, with each stage marked by a shift in tone and tempo.
The lyrics are poetic and abstract, inviting multiple interpretations. Cain’s exploration of themes like perversion, separation, and annihilation is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
Standout Lyrics: “I want to know what God knows, and I will be with Him. Sent over the edge, I sigh, flush against the veil, I sing.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Etienne
An instrumental interlude, “Etienne“ serves as a moment of reflection in the album’s narrative. The haunting piano melody evokes a sense of longing and sorrow. While there are no lyrics, the music speaks volumes about the themes of loss and redemption.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Thatorchia
Another instrumental track, “Thatorchia“ is darker and more ominous than “Etienne.” The use of distorted guitar and eerie synths creates a sense of impending doom. It’s a sonic representation of inner turmoil and the struggle for self-acceptance.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. Amber Waves
The closing track, “Amber Waves,” is a melancholic reflection on love and loss. The imagery of “amber waves” suggests both beauty and transience. The lyrics, “I’ll be alright, me and my amber waves,” convey a sense of resignation and acceptance.
The track’s gentle melody and Cain’s soothing vocals provide a sense of closure, bringing the album’s emotional journey to a poignant end.
Standout Lyrics: “The devil I know is the devil I want.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Themes and Interpretation
At its core, “Perverts” is an exploration of the human condition. Ethel Cain delves into themes of shame, sin, love, and redemption with a rawness that is both unsettling and beautiful. The album challenges listeners to confront their own desires and fears, making it a deeply personal experience.
Musically, “Perverts” blends elements of folk, ambient, and experimental rock. The minimalist production allows Cain’s voice and lyrics to take center stage, creating an intimate atmosphere.
The album’s title, “Perverts,” is provocative, but it also speaks to the idea of being outcast or misunderstood. Cain invites listeners to embrace their imperfections and find beauty in their flaws.
Final Verdict
Ethel Cain’s “Perverts” is a masterclass in storytelling and emotional resonance. It’s an album that demands to be felt as much as heard. Cain’s ability to tackle difficult subjects with grace and honesty makes this album a standout in contemporary music.
With its haunting melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and emotional depth, “Perverts” deserves a perfect five-star rating.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
This is an album that will stay with you long after the final note fades. It’s a testament to the power of music as a medium for exploring the human experience in all its complexity and contradiction. Ethel Cain has crafted a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that solidifies her place as one of the most compelling voices of her generation.
