Album Review: Ethel Cain’s Newest Album is Heartbreaking

Hayden Anhedönia returns with their second album release of the year under the stage name Ethel Cain. The record exists as a concept album that tells the story of a young Ethel falling in love and eventually separating from the character in the title, Willoughby Tucker.

One of the best aspects of the main series of Ethel Cain albums (including most of Anhedönia’s past releases) is that they feature interconnected storylines that tell the horrific tragedy of the artist’s character. These narratives get incredibly detailed—enough to feel like they could be turned into a fully fledged screenplay. The hard part about discussing new concept albums in this vein is that I haven’t yet fully grasped the overarching narrative of this record. So for now, my thoughts remain grounded in the music itself.

As mentioned earlier, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You is Ethel Cain’s second release this year, following an experimental ambient drone project called Perverts. That project served as an art piece exploring sexual insecurity and dissociation, standing apart from the rest of the Ethel Cain discography. This new record feels like a return to form after that spin-off, focusing on lyrical songwriting and more intricate instrumentation. Tracks like Nettles and the ‘80s synth-inspired Fuck Me Eyes stand out as some of the easiest songs to listen to while still showcasing Hayden’s strong writing.

This new album follows the path paved by past releases while also borrowing artistic ideas from side projects. Willoughby Tucker’s predecessor, Preacher’s Daughter, is beloved by fans for its wide range of tracks and haunting overtones, both of which are continued here. At the same time, new techniques learned from Perverts show up throughout this record. For example, the transition from the instrumental Radio Towers into Tempest feels powerful, and the gut-wrenching themes in that section are some of the biggest standouts for me.

While many of the same ingredients that made previous releases so compelling are here, I would argue that some flavors feel slightly watered down. The first half of the record houses the singles, but I think the momentum dips a bit in the latter half. The back end of the album tends to blur together, and unless a moment—like that earlier climax—grabs you, it can feel like you blinked and suddenly you’re at the finale. That said, my opinion could easily change; music like this is deeply personal and hits hardest when the timing in your own life aligns with it. I’ve had those perfect moments with both Preacher’s Daughter and Perverts, but not yet with Willoughby Tucker. When it finally clicks, I expect it will be one of the most heartbreaking days I’ve had in a while.

Despite that, I find the entire project addictive. Part of the thrill of a new concept album is being there at launch, working with other fans to piece together the puzzle of what it all means. Each song is a piece in a larger picture, and digging for hidden meanings and symbolism is half the fun. As listeners work with the artist to connect the story to past lore, the narrative will only become easier to follow. That element of mystery will fade, and I encourage listeners to enjoy both the before and after of that process.

Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You is a heartbreaking story wrapped in obscurity. While it may not feel like the groundbreaking sophomore record some expected, I believe it will grow into a beautiful project as time deepens the connection between the music and the listener’s own experiences.

Recommended for fans of horror, ambience, and cottagecore aesthetics.