Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
The sound of self-loathing
EWAN KOTZ tunes into a chilling and subversive album that speaks for a splintered US, its political apathy and complicity in war-crimes
Ethel Cain performing at Gunnersbury Park in London, August 2023 [u/ishouldgooutmore/CC]

Perverts
Ethel Cain
(Daughters of Cain)

PERVERTS is not an album. Or, at least, that’s what Floridian singer-songwriter Ethel Cain (Hayden Anhedonia) claims of her latest studio effort — despite its 90-minute runtime. Perhaps this is to distance it from the notably more accessible indie rock that has garnered her a cult following.

Here, Cain swaps breezy guitars for unnerving industrial ambience. Perverts is no easy listen — and in no way is this unintentional. Cain’s disillusionment with a fast-growing fanbase has long-indicated a desire to subvert expectations and experiment with underground influences.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
IS
Music / 14 July 2025
14 July 2025

New releases from Allo Darlin’, Loyle Carner and Mike Polizze

Steve Knightley
Music / 15 April 2025
15 April 2025

STEVE JOHNSON, CHRIS SEARLE and TONY BURKE review new releases from Steve Knightley, Jupiter & Okwess, Jason Palmer, Lisa Knapp and Gerry Driver, Kin'Gongolo Kiniata, Ingrid Laubrock/Tom Rainey, Dan Sealey, Simin Tande, PAZ

Music / 6 April 2025
6 April 2025
New releases from Ibex Band, Lucy Dacus, and Various Artists
Album reviews / 27 January 2025
27 January 2025
New releases from Nadia Reid, Manic Street Preachers and Mathias Eick