Ethel Cain Explores High School Anxieties and Complex Female Identity in New Single ‘Fuck Me Eyes’
The rising artist’s latest track, released ahead of her upcoming album, delves into themes of loneliness, societal judgment, and burgeoning desire.
Ethel Cain has unveiled her new single, “Fuck Me Eyes,” a continuation of her exploration into the fraught emotional landscape of adolescence. The song, set to appear on her forthcoming album Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, due out August 8, offers a nuanced perspective on female identity and the pressures of high school social dynamics. Fans can pre-save or pre-order the album here.
According to the musician, “Fuck Me Eyes” is both a thematic successor to her previous work and a tribute to Kim Carnes’ 1981 hit “Bette Davis Eyes.” Cain described the song as “an ode to the girls who are perfect and have everything, yet carry the reputation of town slut.” She further elaborated, “The beautiful blonde who is just lonely and wants to be loved, that all the adults condemn to each other, who ultimately is the girl everyone simultaneously can’t stand and wants to be.”
The genesis of the track stretches back five years, making it the oldest demo on the record. Cain noted that as the album’s narrative evolved, the song found a more resonant place within the larger project. “This song represents Ethel’s complicated feelings for the girl she’s convinced has caught her crush’s eye, as well as her 16-year-old thoughts on the matter,” she explained.
The release of “Fuck Me Eyes” follows the debut of “Nettles” last month, also from Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You. “Nettles” showcases Cain’s expanding musical palette, incorporating synthesizers sourced from the composer of the iconic Twin Peaks soundtrack. Cain herself performs vocals, banjo, and a range of instruments including synthesizers, piano, electric, acoustic, and bass guitars on the track.
Cain’s fascination with Twin Peaks extends beyond sonic inspiration. She revealed on her art-focused social media accounts that she actively sought out the specific synthesizers used by Angelo Badalamenti to create the show’s haunting theme, and these instruments are expected to feature prominently throughout the new album.
Following the album’s release, Cain is embarking on her largest tour to date. The tour will include performances at prominent venues such as London’s Eventim Apollo, Paris’ L’Olympia, New York’s Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, and Berkeley’s Greek Theater. The US leg of the tour begins in August, with the UK dates commencing in October. Tickets for UK shows are available here, and US tickets can be purchased here.
Ethel Cain’s 2025 UK tour dates are as follows:
- October 2 – Manchester, England – O2 Apollo
- October 4 – Glasgow, Scotland – O2 Academy Glasgow
- October 9 – London, England – Eventim Apollo
Cain’s previous project, Perverts, received a four-star review from NME, with critics noting its challenging yet rewarding depth: “Casual fans may not last even three minutes. But for those who are willing to sit with its discomfort, ‘Perverts’ reveals hidden depths – the same way that eyes need time to adjust to low light. What it reflects is in the eye of the beholder.”
In April, Cain achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first openly trans artist to reach the top 10 on the US album charts with Preacher’s Daughter, her critically acclaimed debut studio record – a feat accomplished nearly three years after its initial release in May 2022. This achievement underscores Cain’s growing influence and the resonance of her deeply personal and evocative artistry.
