Ethel Cain Reinvents Her Sound with Experimental EP 'Perverts'

The cult musician's latest release departs from the Americana of her debut, embracing dark ambient textures and macabre themes.

Ethel Cain's new nine-track EP 'Perverts' shifts away from the Americana and grunge influences of her debut album, 'Preacher's Daughter,' toward a more experimental and ambient soundscape.
The project explores macabre themes with cultural references ranging from Dante's 'Inferno' to psychological horror franchise 'Silent Hill' and the dark, small-town stories of 'Knockemstiff' by Donald Ray Pollock.
Cain has voiced frustration over online irony and meme culture, expressing concerns about how the serious themes of 'Perverts' might be trivialized or misinterpreted by her audience.
Tracks like 'Punish' delve into unsettling narratives, with Cain blending personal storytelling with broader commentary on guilt, punishment, and societal taboos.
Known for her subversive approach, Cain continues to challenge traditional pop music norms, prioritizing artistic depth over mainstream accessibility.