Hidden deep in a sea of millions of artists, a mysterious girl named Ethel Cain has recently caught the eyes of listeners who have recently stumbled across her captivating musical journey. Her haunting voice and enchanting melodies, primarily driven by electric guitar, piano, and synthesizer, mesmerize listeners.

Artist Hayden Silas Anhedönia, better known as Ethel Cain, made a groundbreaking debut in 2022 with her first studio album; “Preacher’s Daughter”, following a 75-minute anecdote sung through the eyes of its fictional protagonist, the same girl, Ethel Cain. “Preacher’s Daughter” is less an album, but more a horror film in 13 tracks. In Cain’s self-produced album, the protagonist takes the audience on a journey as a troubled teenager and preacher’s daughter in a southern town. She struggles with self identity, love, loss, and religious trauma, which is the central theme of the album. 

Cain sings about both internal and societal issues, as well as reflecting on struggles of being in a conservative environment. The second track on the album, “American Teenager”,  expresses the tension between longing for freedom and the obligation of duty. 

The production shines with its attention to detail. Hayden uses haunting harmonies that summons a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The instruments used in her tracks often shift from tranquil piano to sweeping orchestral arrangements, creating a powerful experience for listeners. The ethereal 8-minute song “A House in Nebraska” swells and pummels with echoing harmonies and a pounding guitar solo as Ethel repeats the lyrics “I feel so alone”. A standout element of this album is Cain’s vocals, radiating raw emotion and vulnerability. Her ability to interpret the struggle between desire and responsibility makes each song universally relatable. 

Throughout the seventh track called “Thoroughfare”, Cain’s vocals are staggering, displaying her range and emotional depth. As the track progresses, the intensity in her voice amplifies along with the inner confusion and longing expressed in the lyrics. The yodeling at the end of the song is an unexpected and powerful element that differentiates her from other artists. This unique vocalization expresses a sense of freedom, reinforcing the song’s themes of escape and identity. 

Another standout track is the 9th track on the album, “Ptolemaea”. From the beginning of the song, Cain creates a sense of unease, as ominous melodies are laced with distorted sounds. Cain’s vocals carry a hint of vulnerability that adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Her delivery fluctuates between fragile, soft-spoken whispers and powerful outbursts, expressing the chaotic emotions that rise when struggling with fear and regret.

Ethel Cain’s album “Preacher’s Daughter” emerges as a captivating debut that defies traditional boundaries, weaving together personal narration and musical innovation. Cain has undoubtedly carved out a significant space for herself in the music industry, and “Preacher’s Daughter” marks the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey.