Preacher's Daughter - Ethel Cain (2022) 10/10

     I really have to give tens where tens are due. Ethel creates a world that both romantises and deglamorises the South in a way that could only really be done by someone that has conflicting personal feelings about it. 

     Even without knowing the in-depth lore attached to this project, it is very clear that it tells the story of a young woman wishing for more and better things for herself and being beaten down with every choice she makes. I think every artist that wants to tell an overarching story with an album needs to study this album. 

     Ethel has the voice of an angel and this adds to the haunting narrative created. I'm excited with every new piece of work put out by her and can't wait to hear what she follows this album up with. 

Favorite songs:

1. Strangers

     The tragic bookend to the story of Ethel Cain (the character not the artist). 

     Knowing the story of the character created in this album definitely makes the reaction to this song stronger, however isn't required to acknowledge it as a modern classic. 

     It's hard to do this song justice in words and would much rather anyone interested to listen and many people have different interpretations of what is meant by the repition of "am I making you feel sick?", but it can be agreed on that her final message towards her mother and the regrets she has towards her is heartbreaking. 

2. Ptolemaea

     If you wanna know what being traumatized sounds like, this is it. This song feels so intimate and actually uncomfortable at times as it feels almost too personal but like a car crash or a fire it's impossible to look away at the downfall of the character of Ethel Cain.

     This song slowly builds up tension of the character feeling disconnet and uncomfortable with her surroundings until all she can do is scream. 

3. American Teenager

     If you wanna get your friends into Ethel Cain, this is probably the best bet. The most upbeat and catchy song on the album and acts as world building for the story that's about to take place. 

     With direct criticisms of how American treats it's civilians and hides it's immoral actions through religion, this song is intelligent enough to shame many of the people that will celebrate the upbeat nature and Americana aesthetic of this song.