On her complex 2022 concept album Preacher’s Daughter, artist Ethel Cain (real name Hayden Silas Anhedönia) explored themes like abuse, sexuality, violence and religious trauma through the eyes of the troubled fictional character Ethel Cain. A Southern Gothic master class, it was also inspired by the artist’s real-life struggles — she grew up the daughter of a deacon in a Southern Baptist community in Florida.

A key track from Preacher’s Daughter is “A House in Nebraska,” where we’re introduced to her first and true love, Willoughby. This relationship is to be further examined on the upcoming album Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You (August 8).

The new album, set in 1986, is a prequel to Daughter, and follows (the character) Ethel Cain in her teenage years. “Fuck Me Eyes” is a synth-pop, shoegaze anthem, and the second single (following “Nettles”). “Continuing in the theme of high school anxieties, ‘Fuck Me Eyes’ (on top of being an homage to one of my favorite pop songs of all time, “Bette Davis Eyes”) is meant to be an ode to the girls who are perfect and have everything, yet carry the reputation of town slut,” says Cain creator Anhedönia in a statement.

Ethel Cain has already established herself as a unique and distinct talent, with a broad musical range and superior poetic strengths. If you haven’t entered her universe already, now is the time.

This text was originally published in tidal.com/magazine on July 4, 2025.

Photo: Dollie Kyarn, press