Critics Weigh In on Ethel Cain’s New Project "Perverts"

The latest project from the enigmatic trans goth-rock musician Ethel Cain, titled Perverts, has finally been unveiled to the world. The musical endeavor, which Cain explicitly declares is "not an album", offers a stark departure from her 2022 release, Preacher’s Daughter, and it has already sparked a diverse range of critical reactions.

After the success of her debut album, Ethel Cain—whose real name is Hayden Silas Anhedönia—found herself with a rapidly growing following, which was far greater than she had ever imagined or perhaps even desired. Fans and observers of her unique musical style have long been intrigued by what her next project would entail. Now, with Perverts, Cain appears to have crafted a work that challenges listeners in unexpected ways.

Critics' Reactions

The reception from critics paints a vivid picture of Perverts as a bold and unconventional piece of art. Alexis Petridis from The Guardian describes the project as "essentially a wall of obliterating noise", indicating its departure from the ethereal Americana tones that were present in Preacher’s Daughter.

While the album may be a challenging listen, it has not deterred critics from appreciating its experimental nature. Petridis gave it a three-star review, which is among the more critical appraisals but still acknowledges the work's intriguing elements.

Matthew Kim, writing for The Line of Best Fit, notes that Perverts is "not for everybody", but praises it as a unique auditory experience. He remarks on the project’s lack of rich lyricism or conventional structure, yet he finds that it paints a vivid and immersive picture. According to Kim, the "punishingly long repetition" of the sounds within Perverts has the potential to "rewire your brain".

"It’s music made by a human being, intended for human beings," Kim opines, "about losing one’s humanity in order to transcend it. By nature, that makes it immensely incomprehensible, scary, and challenging, even difficult to get through for the uninitiated." Despite these challenges, Kim awarded the project an impressive eight out of ten.

Exploration of Sound

In another thoughtful review, Kristen S. Hé of NME reflects on how Perverts contrasts with Cain’s previous work. While it lacks the cathartic and divine elements of Preacher’s Daughter, it offers its own form of depth and reveals hidden emotional landscapes to those willing to explore its discomfort.

"Casual fans may not last even three minutes," Hé warns, "but for those who are willing to sit with its discomfort, Perverts reveals hidden depths." The review grants the project a four-star rating, highlighting the album’s potential to transform listeners through its unsettling yet rewarding journey.

Similarly, Vicky Greer from Clash offers one of the most favorable assessments, calling Perverts "exceptional" and awarding it a near-perfect nine out of ten. Greer describes the album as "unsettling" and "deeply disturbing", yet possibly the most extraordinary release of the year.

In 90 minutes, Perverts delivers an uninterrupted sonic experience, filled with electrical noises, disconcerting scrapes, and haunting feedback. "Perverts is not an easy album to listen to by any definition," Greer asserts, "but that never takes away from how exceptional it is."

Defiance of Convention

Brad Sanders, writing for Stereogum, praises Perverts as the publication’s album of the week. He notes its bold defiance of the boundaries set by Preacher’s Daughter, referring to it as "a defiant allegiance to the least accessible aspects of the Ethel Cain sound".

Sanders reflects on the potential reactions from Cain’s fanbase, suggesting that while some fans may be pushed out of their comfort zones and discover an interest in drone, ambient music, and slowcore, others may find themselves leaving.

Ultimately, Perverts stands as a testament to Ethel Cain’s commitment to exploring the limits of her artistic expression, inviting listeners to engage with a complex and unorthodox musical landscape. The project is now available for streaming, offering an opportunity for both new listeners and loyal fans to immerse themselves in its audacious soundscape.

Tags: Ethel Cain, Trans Artists, Music Reviews, Experimental Music, LGBTQ+ Art