Since the captivating debut of her album "Preacher’s Daughter" in 2022, Ethel Cain, the enigmatic southern gothic persona of 26-year-old Hayden Silas Anhedönia, has created a dedicated cult following. This audience, largely made up of vibrant young listeners and often queer individuals, hinted at a potential breakout into mainstream success. However, Cain’s recent release, "Perverts," defies conventional expectations. It's not merely a follow-up album; it's an avant-garde, experimental project that boldly eschews commercial norms.

"Perverts" is a collection primarily filled with elongated, ambient soundscapes that evoke gothic imagery, reminiscent of a soundtrack fit for a modern-day "Nosferatu." This choice suggests that Cain is intentionally veering away from the mainstream spotlight in favor of a more avant-garde artistic expression.

The lead single, "Punish," stands out as a melancholic and meditative thread that recalls the introspective undertones of her debut, offering a glimpse into her emotional depth. However, the rest of the tracks on "Perverts" diverge significantly, moving further underground and abandoning any algorithmic patterns that might categorize them for mass consumption.

Take "Housofpsychoticwomn," an audacious 13-minute odyssey steeped in sparse industrial sounds, where the only lyric—a repeated, increasingly unsettling phrase of “I love you”—adds to the haunting atmosphere. Similarly, "Onanist" envelops listeners in its grainy sound quality and solitary piano motif, perfectly reflecting its introspective title.

Cain has always exhibited an exceptional ability to craft immersive worlds with her music. On "Perverts," she explores those boundaries with a fierce determination, offering a soundscape that feels both personal and alienating. This artistic direction exemplifies a deliberate choice to maintain a degree of distance from mainstream recognition, making her a unique figure in the music industry.

As Cain continues to push against the edges of her potential, one can't help but wonder whether this unconventional path will eventually lead her to the forefront or if she will remain a beloved secret among her fervent fans. Only time will tell—will she embrace the fame she seems to be escaping, or will she thrive in the shadows she has so masterfully crafted?