Shame & Sacred Despair
Influenced by her Baptist roots, Ethel Cain’s latest single Punish transforms personal themes of shame and trauma into haunting, atmospheric music that probes love’s dual nature as both burden and redemption.
Ethel Cain for her latest single "Punish," lensed by Silken Weinberg. Available via Pitchfork. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Ethel Cain is an impenetrable figure of alternative pop, who has managed to captivate audiences since her meteoric rise with her debut album Preacher’s Daughter. Emerging from the humble origins of a Southern Baptist upbringing in Perry, Florida, the artist known as Hayden Anhedönia has evolved into a haunting voice in contemporary music, weaving narratives that explore the darker corners of love and identity. Cain's upbringing in a profoundly conservative household has shaped her worldview, laying the groundwork for the darker themes present in her music. The conflict between her authentic self and the expectations of her community created an internal struggle that is manifest in her lyrics. Her experiences of shame, alienation and trauma inform her exploration of topics like loss and violence, infusing her songs with a lingering and opaque quality. The omnipresence of these darker themes allows Cain to vividly capture the complexities of her identity and the weight of her past, creating a soundscape that is both agonizing and unsettling, echoing the "Christ-haunted" landscapes of her early life.
Her latest single, “Punish,” is a formidable entry into her discography, heralding the upcoming project Perverts, set to drop on January 8, 2025. Clocking in at nearly seven minutes, “Punish” avoids the conventional pop structure to deliver an emotionally charged oeuvre that delves deep into themes of shame and existential despair. The song opens with an atmospheric progression that sets the stage for Cain’s ethereal vocal delivery. There’s an immediate contrast between the beauty of the melody and the weight of the lyrics, creating an unsettling effect that feels cold and isolating, almost like sinking into an ice bath. As she sings “I am punished by love,” the listener is immediately thrust into a world where affection feels more like a burden than a blessing. Cain’s ability to blend melodic sweetness with lyrical anguish exemplifies her unique artistry, a duality that many have come to associate with her work.
In her exploration of shame, “Punish” acts as a form of musical therapy, stripping away layers of superficiality to expose raw, vulnerable truths. As she ponders the depths of shame and the human condition, Cain’s lyrics pose unsettling questions, echoed by a statement released upon Pervert’s announcement: «I wonder how deep shame can run, and how unforgivable an act could be that I may still justify it in some bent way to make carrying it more bearable» she said, «Would I tell myself it’s not my fault and I couldn’t help myself? Would anyone truly believe that? Would I?». This introspection invites listeners to grapple with their own experiences, invoking a sense of collective suffering. There’s a palpable vulnerability in her voice that suggests a shared understanding of the burdens we carry, particularly in a society that often shames individuals for their truths.
The verses of “Punish” escalate the intensity, revealing a narrative that is both personal and ambiguous. Cain alludes to themes of protection and victimization, referencing Gary Plauché - the infamous father who shot his son’s rapist. The lines “He was a natural Plauché / Saying ‘you won’t forget this’” blur the lines between empowerment and despair. Who is punishing whom here? Is Cain embodying the victim, or is she tapping into the protective rage of a paternal figure? This ambiguity enriches the listening experience, prompting a deeper engagement with the song's themes and inviting listeners to project their interpretations onto her haunting narrative.
Musically, “Punish” draws from various influences, evoking comparisons to the atmospheric sounds of Grouper and the haunting tones of Midwife’s so-called “heaven metal.” Yet, it stands apart as a singular work, characterized by its dim elegance and profound emotional depth. The arrangement is sparse but powerful, allowing Cain’s voice to take center stage.
As “Punish” unfolds, it becomes clear that it is a distressing statement about the complexities of love, identity and the afflictions of shame. It creates a contemplative space where the weight of existence can be felt in all its intensity. There’s a sense of catharsis in confronting these difficult emotions, an affirmation that it is okay to feel deeply and to grapple with the darker sides of love.
While “Punish” marks a distinct chapter in Ethel Cain’s evolving narrative, it also connects to the overarching themes present in Preacher’s Daughter. The existential dilemmas faced by her characters are echoed here, creating a continuity woven in Cain’s overarching musical tapestry mapping the terrain of trauma, desire and redemption. With “Punish”, Ethel Cain once again emerges as a haunting reminder of the depth and darkness that reside within the human experience. In the words of Cain, we may not find solace, but we can certainly find understanding in the shared burdens of our existence.
