Ethel Cain's 'The Preacher's Daughter' - Empath drains all emotional energy with first time listen

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

I have to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that commented on this video so far. I did feel a bit hesitant to post this reaction for various reasons (mostly because it was quite vulnerable) but my doubts have been completely squashed with the love and amount of people who are connecting and engaging with the content. This is why I started doing this and I’m so blown away that the algorithm found truly like-minded, music lovers and appreciaters. Welcome on in everyone! This community is about love, compassion, self-growth and healing through music. ❤❤❤

[@CyanWatercress4]

babe wake up new preachers daughter reaction just dropped

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

LOL! Yay, hopefully you enjoy. I certainly enjoyed reacting. :)

[@CyanWatercress4]

@@PassionDumpofanAutisti definitely enjoyed!! your reaction brought a lot of things to the table that i felt were really valuable :)

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

That means a lot! It’s always difficult on a first listen (especially on a piece like this) so I appreciate that a lot! 🤗

[@abigailkovac9025]

If I ever have a partner wake me up like this. I know i will have made it

[@kornflixi5247]

I think I've seen most reactions to this song and this has to be the first one where family tree is rlly understood - ethel cain is very literal so when in strangers she's talking about being cold, a freezer bride and getting eaten and being missing she is not fantasizing! it's fun to connect the dots by yourself but reading all the lore changes everything

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

@@kornflixi5247 yes! I realized that after! Of course. As an autistic person myself, I’m also very literal. I think I’ve trained myself to not be so when listening to music because you usually have to find the metaphor and so here I was looking for a metaphor that wasn’t there. lol. It would’ve been better to just go with my instinctual way of thinking! Yes, it’s been fun to explore the piece now that my first, blind reaction is done and I can research and learn more! What a phenomenal piece of art.

[@kornflixi5247]

@@PassionDumpofanAutist I'm so glad you enjoyed it

[@headinthewall]

as a fellow late-diagnosed autism girlie this has to be one of my favourite reactions to this ever because I could see how you were aware of, felt, and visualised EVERYTHING sonically!! I’d love to see your reaction to her first EP Carpet Bed, I get lost in it so easily, I think you’d love it!❤️🫶

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

You have no idea how happy this comment made me. This is why I started doing these reactions to connect with people with similar interests. I will definitely put that on my list! I’m so intrigued by her now so I’m so open to anything she creates!! ❤️

[@nireus2299]

the longest album, not because of the length of the songs , i was listening for the first time planning to go through the whole thing but House In Nebraska hit so hard that i was listening to only that for a whole month. Phenomenal all the way, even more when you learn that she played most of the instruments

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

No doubt! It was an overwhelming listen (not in a bad way) to go through the entire thing in one go. There’s just so many layers I missed. But I mean, I LOVE albums like this that can live with me for months on end and I can get new nuances with every listen! I had no idea she played most of the instruments! Thanks for sharing that. I’m more blown away the more I hear you guys talking about it!! 🤗

[@marierose8580]

as yet another late-diagnosed autistic woman i want to say that your sensitivity is so strangely comforting to me as someone who also cries a LOT at seemingly small things. i used to do it all the time as a child before i learned to mask, and then i became actually quite callous and emotionally detached for many many years. when i was diagnosed it was like the floodgates opened and now they refuse to shut!! not that i would want them to. you're right that it's strangely cathartic to actually let it happen. i was so detached from myself i almost forgot what it felt like, but now i feel like i cry at everything haha this is such a lovely reaction (i can't pick a favorite track since it's highly dependent on my mood - sometimes it's ptolemaea, sometimes it's hard times, and sometimes it's televangelism!) and i feel such a kindred spirit in you that i've subscribed! i can't wait to see what you delve into next

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Oh shit! I’m so glad you added that extra edit. Tbh, I was looking at that one but didn’t know much about her, so this definitely seals it! Adding this to my list. And you are amazing for sharing that. I was lucky (in this aspect) where we are pretty sure my mom is also autistic and she raised me to express my emotions always. It certainly made me the “weird kid at school” but it was good for processing. I can’t imagine the journey you’ve been through in relearning how to feel and process. I’m so glad you found the channel and we can connect! Kindred spirits indeed! Thanks again for the amazing suggestions! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nickthepeasant]

This album is a masterpiece and ditto for your reaction - feeling it all and allowing us to share it with you. The last lines of Strangers make me cry every time, even outside of context of the grim story.

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

It absolutely IS a masterpiece! What a truly beautiful listening experience. I’m so glad you enjoyed my reaction and happy to connect on this. I’m excited to go back and listen to strangers again now that I know more about what it’s actually about and I’m not so overwhelmed with the first listen!

[@zoerice4227]

I feel confident in calling this album a modern masterpiece. It's so beautiful and dark and deep, it's like staring into a simulation of a black hole. Loved this reaction! With a concept album it's literally so important to analyse the lyrics, and I loved how you took such time to care about the words being sung. This album combines SO much, one could easily spend hours and hours decoding it.

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Thanks so much for saying that! I definitely have a deep appreciation for music and I could tell this one would be one that needed special attention and care. It’s certainly one I’m going to listen to over and over and still not get everything. I love that description btw “staring into a simulation of a black hole”. Beautiful! 🤗

[@nathaniel9526]

This is literally my fav preachers daughter reaction ever you had the same reaction I had when first listening to this emotional rollercoaster

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Man, I’m so glad I shared it! This is why I do this to connect with similar minded people about music. Thanks for commenting. It made my day, truly! 🤗

[@jacksonsd6]

the guitar at the end of American Teenager (that you can hear at 13:30) is actually sampled from Don’t Stop Believin’!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Omg! How did I not hear that?!!! It’s so obvious now! lol Thanks so much for sharing that. 🤗

[@DannBP1]

The darkness of the last song....... oh boy.😮 Glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Yes! I didn’t even fully grasp it on that first listen, but MAN it takes things so dark. But the song is absolutely beautiful. Yes, it was such a cool and unique listening experience. I’ll definitely be tuning it to any other projects that she creates. 🤗

[@infantisland]

I was not expecting to watch this entire reaction in one sitting but I did, and I'm so glad for it!! I love coming across such genuine reactions like this, as I'm someone who can be moved quite easily by things myself (never been diagnosed but do suspect if that's anything) and it was heartwarming in a way to know I'm not the only one tearing up at this album! I've listened to it so many times by this point, and I feel like there's something new I learn each time, including your interpretations of it too! Thank you so much for sharing this, this album really is a beautiful piece of artistry and your analysis was excellent

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Wow! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it and I was able to add to your perspective of the piece. It’s such a beautiful piece of art and I’m glad was able to share my first reaction. Although, I do have to say, it’s really grown and taken on new meaning since listening a few more times! Which is the sign, imo of being amazing! Yeah, it’s a blessing and a curse sometimes to be so emotionally open. But it’s a part of me so I wouldn’t change it. I’m glad to connect with people who can relate to that! ❤️

[@connie1597]

I'm only 8 minutes in so far and I have to say this is one of my favorite reactions to this album I have seen, and as an autistic trans girl myself I love that you spoke on that in the beginning !

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

I am so glad you’re enjoying it so far! That means so much to me for you to say so. And welcome on in! My intention is for this space to be a safe space for everyone (who is loving, kind and compassionate). ❤️❤️❤️

[@marbnielk6951]

Absolutely wonderful reaction, even though you didnt know the full story that goes along with it at first you still got the core of emotion of the album. Dont worry about talking too little, sometimes an expression is just enough of a reaction. Side note love your haircut ✨

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Thank you so much for your many kind words! That is super validating that it can still be enjoyable to just have my honest expressions. I do feel sometimes that I need to say something, but this feedback helps! I always want to be as authentic as possible. ❤️

[@flakeyjay]

Going to see her next thursday! Clario Charmed is heavy on the back up instruments clarinet, flute, piano and horns. A must review!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Seriously?!! I’m SO jealous. Have an amazing time. And I believe I’ve heard of this. I’ll have to check it out and see if it’s something I can react to. So far sounds like something I’d be into. Thanks! 🤗

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Just going through old comments here and was reminded of this one. I'm recording Clairo Charmed this week. So freakin excited!!

[@worldsbiggestholdthegirlfan]

If you enjoyed this album; I HIGHLY recommend Hozier’s Unreal Unearth! just like Ptolomaea, it deals with Dante’s Inferno and the circles of hell. It’s definitely less scary, but the songs can be devastating and they’re so beautifully written and produced! a must listen in my opinion

[@Kiki-ob3eh]

SO EMOTIONAL REACTION!!! Ethel cain is just fresh air in the actual music industry as you say❤️ I would LOVE to see you react to FIONA APPLE álbum “Tidal” or “When the Pawn…” the lyrics and music are out of this world and like a hug for us neurodivergent people 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Yes! What an amazing experience it was! So glad you enjoyed it. And tbh, I haven’t checked out much from Fiona Apple but anything I have heard has been so interesting. I’ll have to put those on the list! Thank you!

[@boxedupkit]

as a fellow empathetic person i think you would love mitski's lyricism !! i highly recommend her latest album "the land is inhospitable and so are we", it also has really good instrumental (like seriously magical instrumental!! like a movie soundtrack) i think youd like it a lot!!!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Oh! That sounds amazing. And it’s been suggested to me a lot actually so I’m definitely putting that on my list. Thank you so much! ❤️

[@Harlan-kj8id]

Interesting that you picked up that the album started and ended with mother. This is the first part of a 3 album project that Ethel says will explore religious and generational trauma. The next album will be about the life of the Preacher’s Wife.. Ethel’s mother, and in the final LP we will meet Ethel’s grandmother…The Preacher’s Mother. This story is about to get REAL! I love that she foreshadowed this in the intro where she talked about Christ being unable to escape his mother’s blood. Ethel couldn’t escape the blood of her mother’s and the blood (Jesus) of her religion.

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Oh! Wow! Thanks for sharing that. I didn’t know this is the first of 3. I am incredibly excited for the next ones. They sound so REAL!!! And yeah, it was so blatant to me (in a good way) about the mother theme. So mysterious and interesting and I wanted to hear more about that relationship. But apparently we are gonna get it! lol ❤️

[@Harlan-kj8id]

@@PassionDumpofanAutist Fun Fact: The preacher you heard at the beginning of the first song (motherhood), and the sermon that opened the last song (eternal life)… was an actual recording of Ethel’s father delivering the sermon at her grandmother’s funeral 😳

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

@Harlan-kj8id oh wow. That is wild. Thanks for sharing that. 😳

[@brattybelladonna]

I love to see reactions of Preachers Daughter (bcz now u knoooww lol) its a very deep and emotional album, and, your reaction its all that i need, you feel completely the vibe and the lyrics, this is one of my favorite albums of all time. Love, love, looove your channel and your personality, thank you for react to this album!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! And man, happy I didn’t know the weight of it going in because I probably wouldn’t have recorded it out of fear of not being able to grasp it. But everyone on here has been so kind in their comments and it was such an amazing first listen. Definitely excited to hear it a bunch more times as I can tell I’ll get more out of it with each listen! Thanks for being here!! ❤️

[@brattybelladonna]

@@PassionDumpofanAutist And Iam happy too! Hope you becoming a Ethel fan! I love her voice and the way that she writes inspire me to write my poems much better. Certainly you have a new subscriber!

[@lelainthesky]

love this vid!!!!! also, love the bangs they slayyyy

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Omg! Thanks so much. I haven’t been feeling like I’m “slaying” for a while now tbh, so I needed to hear this today! ❤️

[@triniskittles_]

i LOVE the way you reacted to this! just taking it all in, but also having the lyrics up and trying to understand. your reaction was very similar to mine the first time i listened to this. and also, you caught onto things that it took me a few listens to get!! love love love this video!!! ❤❤❤

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’m so glad I ended up sharing it. I was nervous when I was editing but I ended up doing it and everyone has been so sweet about my reaction. It’s wild how much you get out of each listen tho eh? I almost want to do a debrief video once it’s had a chance to live a bit in my head.

[@triniskittles_]

@PassionDumpofanAutist every single listen is different! Hayden is a genius. I love the way she's able to provoke so much emotion. Her fans are such a great community. Watching reactions is so so much fun, so I'm glad you posted this. If there's any community that's going to be supportive to new fans, it's this one. Hopefully you continue to listen to her music, she's got so much and she's releasing more (hopefully) soon 💕💕 thank you again for posting this 😌😌

[@ultraparanioa]

love this reaction! i was so extremely emotional for this album listen. it's so nice to see someone have such a genuine reaction to this album. if you like this, i think you'd enjoy Nicole Dollanganger's album Married in Mount Airy! such a beautiful album. i'd love to see you react to it ❤

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

I’m so glad I shared it! I was so nervous to post because it’s so emotional but comments like this make it worth it. And I’ll definitely take a look at that. I’ve got quite a list accumulated but will add it and see if we can get to it. Thanks so much for the recommendation!! ❤️

[@nex_beloved7078]

It think you have a beautiful soul, I don’t know why but you feel safe and I love it I hope you have a wonderful day ❤

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

That is seriously the best thing I could possibly hear! And I do try to create a loving, compassionate, safe space here as much as humanly possible. You’ve certainly made my day! And I hope you also have a fantastic day filled with joy. ❤️❤️❤️

[@nex_beloved7078]

@@PassionDumpofanAutist ❤️❤️

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

I’d love to know your fav track from this phenomenal concept album! ❤

[@nina-dy5qi]

great reaction!!! i love all the tracks but there's something about strangers and house in nebraska that resonates with mee

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Thanks! Yes, those 2 are absolutely stunned no tracks. Thanks for watching and sharing with me. It means a lot! ❤️

[@headinthewall]

It’s SO hard to choose but if I had to pick one I’d say Thoroughfare, the way she performed it live with the outro was easily one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a concert!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

@@headinthewall oh wow! I cannot imagine seeing that live! I can imagine that would be an immaculate experience!!

[@nathaniel9526]

@@headinthewallI saw her in LA and that like 2 minute epic outro was amazing

[@diegomoranp]

I love every reaction from this album, Loved it!!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

So glad you enjoyed it!! ❤️

[@dylanthomas7539]

Wonderful reaction to a masterpiece of an album. I would put this up there with some of the greatest albums ever made. Hayden is brilliant

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

I totally agree and thanks for saying that. I really enjoyed sharing my first reaction. It was a bit vulnerable tbh, but I’m glad to share it. What a beautiful piece of art. She is incredible. ❤️

[@hellopeople6138]

I would greatly recommend you react to her other album Inbred. You’re probably one of the more perceptive reactors I’ve seen. I haven’t really seen anyone pick up on the dad thing so early on. This is probably one of my top three reactions I’ve seen till seven. I’m definitely saving this to my playlist videos to watch when I’m sad. ETHEL also has incredible unreleased music on KZbin. Some of her best and some of her saddest songs or unreleased but she’s OK with people listening to them as long as it’s under the ETHEL name.

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Yeah, I’m thinking I will certainly react to more of her stuff. Tbh, I may need a little time to enjoy this one and really get what I need out of it but will certainly be more Ethel on the channel as I have massive respect for her! ❤️

[@hellopeople6138]

@@PassionDumpofanAutist Take all the time you need! It actually took me half the year to finally finish the whole album because it was such a hard and meaningful album. I needed time to digest every song. Im so excited to see you listen to more of her music. My favorite song Inbred is in the next album.

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

@@hellopeople6138 oh that makes me feel better! Thanks! I just want to give these pieces the respect they deserve and not plow through them! lol. But she’s on my radar now and will be a regular visit for the channel for sure!

[@hellopeople6138]

(I apologize for how long this is but it’s so cool and my special interest) . If someone hasn’t explained it yet. The creator wanted this to be a movie but didn’t have the money so she wrote a Music album instead. The first song is an opener to the movie giving some clue to what the vibe will be. Then the next is Explaining the culture she grew up in. We also found out that her dad died in a fire when she was young. I’m theorizing it was by her her mother because the next album is about her and ETHEL has released merch saying you know I do anything for you. House in Nebraska is about a boy she was in love with as a young person named Willoughby. They would fantasize about getting a house in Nebraska and running away to it. Then she starts dating another guy who’s a criminal and he gets killed by the police. That’s why in Thorofare it says she has a pistol in her pocket and she’s hitchhiking. Then, in the movie, it gives a flashback to her childhood, where we find out what her father did to her. Family tree is basically what you thought it was about. And Thorofare she’s hitchhiking and A man named Isaiah picks her up in Thorofare. The sad thing about the song is that it’s actually her pretending that’s how she met him and pretending it was a romantic meeting, but that’s actually Stockholm syndrome, because he kidnapped her in thoroughfare. In Gibson girl, he begins to pimp her out, and she gets addicted to drugs. In Ptolemaea, she realizes how messed up her situation is and faces the trauma he is inflicting on her as well as he father, and maybe even the Devil. In August underground it’s theorized that’s when she tried to run away and he caught her. Canonically he killed her in the attic. The name, august underground comes from an infamous, fake snuff film where someone is killed. Tele-evangelism is her ascending to heaven. That’s why some of the piano Notes are off key. It’s her synapses snapping and her dying. In some bleach flies, she reflects on her whole life, forgiving people who’ve hurt her. She compares the woman who waste away in church to sun bleached flies. These women are trapped and believe their only freedom will be when they die, and go to heaven, such like when you open the window and flies are finally able to escape. Strangers is Ethel looking down from heaven, watching her body being eaten. Isaiah freezes her, and eats a part of her. I believe the part where she says am I making you sick? Is her still being worried about his health and well-being even while he does the unspeakable to her. Some people also think it could be about food poisoning. When she says my mom will see me on the side of a milk carton, it’s referring to her missing posters. The line “don’t talk to strangers, or you might fall in love” is one of my favorite lyrics. It’s basically about how in her childhood, she wasn’t taught the difference between being hurt and love. So in her head when they say “don’t talk to strangers or you could get hurt” she replaces hurt in love, because she sees no difference. It’s so heartbreaking. If you read this, thank you for reacting to it!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Don’t ever apologize on this channel for sharing your passion! It’s literally why I started this. This was an amazing read and so helpful now that I’m starting to do my next few listens. What a masterpiece. I got so much out of my first listen, but man there’s so much more to discover with every listen since. A true piece of beautiful art. I will keep all these things in mind on my next listen. And so cool to know this was originally envisioned as a movie. That makes a lot of sense actually! Anyways, have an amazing day and thanks again for sharing all that with me. ❤️

[@gaabrie.l]

you should look up the songs lore. its a heartbreaking story and full of details hidden from lyrics to the song's names, track order and even the lore itself! i found that the character Ethel is not a reliable narrator and there are somethings told in a different way throughout the story. very complex. also, if you want more instrumentals like that, that tell a story, id recomend Actor by St. Vincent! theyre not as emotionally charges as Preachers Daughter but as theyre inspired in Disney movies and childrens classics it is very theatrically arrenged. the last thing i can say is that it has a common theme with preachers daughter: despair/anxiety (both the feeling and the disorder), but it's a total new approach to it. maybe you'd like it and i hope you listen to it!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Yes! After this first listen I’ve been able to research a bit and enjoy the album from a while new perspective now. But I’m glad I just went in not knowing for the first time. That way I could really just get that first listen experience without any outside noise and just share my own interpretations and experience with it. And thanks so much for the recommendation. Saving it on my little list of things to look up for future. 🤗

[@westcoast2114]

loved your reaction so much, that’s so random, but have you watched sharp objects? it’s a mini show on hbo and the atmosphere and vibe of it is really similar to preacher’s daughter; southern gothic, mysterious and perfectly detailed. it delves into several themes that are discussed in the ethel’s music such as dysfunctional families, murders, substance abuse, self-harm etc. i am sure you would love it!!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Oh wow, no I haven’t but I’m super intrigued now to check it out. I’ve heard of it and it sounded interesting but yeah, you sold me! And thanks so much. I’m so glad you enjoyed to reaction! ❤️

[@westcoast2114]

@@PassionDumpofanAutist ofc, it’s such a brilliant show, i always recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed preacher’s daughter! and i just saw that you have also reacted to lana, cant wait to watch that when i get back home!

[@austinashburn2597]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Damiana_Dimock]

I'd love to see you talk more about what you think now that you know more about the album's story. Seeing your other videos, you might want to check out Kim Petras' Turn Out The Light, especially w/ Spooky season approaching. Kimbra's "Primal Heart" and or "The Golden Echo;" Angel Olsen's "All Mirrors;" Zola Jesus' "Conatus." a few recommendations off the top of my head. 🙏🏼😊 Godspeed.

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

You are an absolute gem for these recommendations! I’ve been looking for some new artists to really sink my teeth into so I will definitely check these out. I haven’t heard of any of them, which is exciting to me. And yes, this album is going to live with me for a while and it may be a fun idea to do a debrief type video after it’s sunk in more, as I know ideas have already changed and grown for me. I love albums like this that just love on for so long due to its depth!! Anyways, thanks again for the suggestions!

[@sasapejcin3568]

She is vocally copying Lana del Rey and I don't approve that but maybe she has better lyrics so people love her!

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Oh, personally don’t think there is any copying being done. Does she use her voice in a way to express emotion and give nuance to every word? Yes, and I would agree that Lana does this as well. But I see them as very different vocalists imo.

[@NoahsSlasher]

This reaction was amazing. I am also autistic and have been a heavy Ethel fan for a while now and love watching people’s reactions to it and it’s one of my comfort things to do when I’m feeling down or bored. this one is by far the best reactions I’ve seen of this album. This video reminded me of when I first listened to preachers daughter and I think I might’ve legit cried for hours because the album hit me so hard personally LOL. Keep up the amazing videos, definitely subscribing after this. 🫶🫶 (SORRY FOR THE LONG MESSAGE, THIS WHOLE REACTION JUST REALLY HIT HOME LOL. ALSO IF YOU CAN, PLEASE REACT TO ETHELS EP “INBRED”, IT GIVES MORE INFO TO HER STORY. 🫶)

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

Don’t be sorry! This is why I started this channel, to connect with like-minded people and it makes me so happy that you shared how you related to my first listen. I was so afraid to share this (because it was obviously very vulnerable emotionally) but comments like this one make me so glad I did. So glad you enjoyed it and it can be a bit of a comfort watch to you. And, yes I’ll definitely be reacting and listening to more Ethel in the future. I’m gonna let this one sink in and have its moment with me but will check out more stuff when it feels right! Thanks again and welcome on in! ❤️

[@djdiarrhea1173]

Wait till you find out it’s self produced…

[@PassionDumpofanAutist]

I was shocked when I pulled up the credits! She is a freakin genius. Seriously! 😅

[@djdiarrhea1173]

@@PassionDumpofanAutist literally! As someone who produces, it’s insane to think she did it all herself. If you listen to how many layers, textures, filters, plugins, and other stuff she uses, it’s INSANEEEEE to know she did it all herself