Mount Hood

“Preacher’s Daughter” review

February 26, 2025

Written by: Kiera Roedel | Copy Editor

Content warning: This article contains mentions of religious trauma, depression, suicide, murder, alcoholism, drug addiction, abusive relationships, domestic violence, police violence, child sexual abuse, prostitution, kidnapping and cannibalism.

Ethel Cain is the name of Hayden Anhedönia’s solo music project. Her music focuses around themes of depression, trauma, Americana and religion, and her voice and musical styling are not dissimilar to the work of Lana Del Rey from the late 2010s. Cain’s 2022 record “Preacher’s Daughter” is a partially autobiographical concept album. It tells the life story of a preacher’s daughter, including stories about her childhood in the American South, adulthood, death and afterlife. The raw emotion on display is accentuated by gaunt instrumentation and especially by Cain’s exquisite vocals, which can convey more pain than a motivational speech even when not using a single actual word. The lyrics evoke some cruel cross between true crime and Gothic horror, gray and dismal. 

“Family Tree (Intro)” — Cain discusses in no uncertain terms how her character — the preacher’s daughter — was doomed from the start by her heritage. She portrays the allegorical concept of a “family tree” as a literal tree, one from which Cain is “swinging by (her) neck,” and compares her own family to that of Christ. Throbbing percussion combined with Cain’s slurring vocals make this an engaging listen and a fantastic opening track.

“American Teenager” — It is here that the story of the preacher’s daughter begins. “American Teenager” is the album’s third single and its most radio-friendly song, with structured lyrics and some addictive synths. Cain discusses her character’s isolation in the rural American South, condemning the nationalistic, Christian, individualist culture that pulses through those environments. To cope, the preacher’s daughter turns to liquor and religion, the latter being something from which she tries and fails to escape throughout the record.

“A House in Nebraska” — Here the preacher’s daughter experiences one of her few content moments in life, describing her time spent loving a man who eventually abandons her. Seven minutes long, even this reminiscence is not soaked in joy; ambient-adjacent vocals, strong percussion and soulful guitar accentuate the melancholy. Cain describes a dirty mattress, bed sores, dirt roads — the epitome of “alone together.”

“Western Nights” — After being shunned by the man in the house in Nebraska, the preacher’s daughter turns to another lover, this one abusive and violent. Despite his faults, she describes her unbreaking love for and codependence on him. Cain sings like she just finished crying her eyes out, over thundering piano chords.

“Family Tree” — “Family Tree” is the only song on the album where the story felt obfuscated. Its lyrics describe a wedding, baptism and threats of violence, but apparently are intended to be about running from the police after the man from “Western Nights” is killed during an armed robbery. Plus, the song isn’t really related to the intro track that shares its name. The guitar solo, however, is sensational.

“Hard Times” — Over some subtle piano and drums, Cain describes the preacher’s daughter’s history of being sexually abused by her father — the preacher — when she was “too young / to notice / that some types of love could be bad.” The events described in the song are not directly autobiographical, but that doesn’t make them any less horrific. Absolutely devastating, and perfectly executed.

“Thoroughfare” —  “Thoroughfare” is a ten-minute epic about the preacher’s daughter running away from home, when she encounters a strange man named Isaiah who promises to take her to California in his truck. On the ensuing long road trip, she slowly falls in love with him, and he with her. However, later lyrics and some lore posted online by Cain indicate that Isaiah actually kidnapped the preacher’s daughter, rather than her going with him consensually. The song starts acoustically, complete with harmonica, but builds to an electric guitar solo before falling away once again, and it is stunning from start to finish.

“Gibson Girl” — Taking its name from a drawing that was once considered to depict the pinnacle of American beauty standards, “Gibson Girl” describes the preacher’s daughter’s work in California as a prostitute and her simultaneous development of a drug addiction. Isaiah encourages her the whole way through, saying “if it feels good / then it can’t be bad.” This was the album’s first single, and is well-deserving of it; I’m especially in love with the drums through the choruses and the outro.

“Ptolemaea” — A million words could describe this song — shoegaze, terror, demonic, chilling — but not even all one million would be enough to honor it. Beginning with an echoing masculine chant, Cain’s voice cuts in like that of an angel. She sings of her fear of Isaiah while he has a psychotic breakdown of some kind. The climax of the song, and really of the album, comes when Cain begins to repeat the word “stop” with building intensity, the final one a bloodcurdling shriek as Isaiah dismembers her. This isn’t one I would ever choose to listen to individually, but as the peak of “Preacher’s Daughter” it is transcendent.

“August Underground” — While “August Underground” lacks lyrics, Cain’s wordless vocals take a prominent role. If death itself had a soundtrack, this would be it.

“Televangelism” — Also an instrumental, “Televangelism” is much brighter and less terrifying than either of the preceding two songs. Predominantly piano, it depicts the preacher’s daughter’s ascent into heaven, and is beautiful to match.

“Sun Bleached Flies” — From heaven, Cain reflects on her life and its few bright spots. In a particularly powerful bridge, she describes what I interpret as meeting God, and she realizes that she misses being alive, especially the man in the house in Nebraska. With driven but digestible instrumentation, “Sun Bleached Flies” is nothing short of cathartic.

“Strangers” — The closer of “Preacher’s Daughter” is also its second single. “Strangers” shows the preacher’s daughter in heaven, watching Isaiah cannibalize her body, and wishing she never fell in love with him. The outro is the most touching thing here — the preacher’s daughter speaks directly to her mother over acoustic guitar, telling her she doesn’t blame her for what happened. Especially interesting is the fact that no woman characters had been previously mentioned except the preacher’s daughter herself. “Strangers” is an excellent closer, bringing together the highlights of the album’s musical style into a cohesive whole.

The strengths of “Preacher’s Daughter” rest primarily in the story it tells and the soundscape it creates — less like music and more like the listener is just floating around inside Cain’s head throughout the course of these events. This isn’t a flawless record, but in some ways that just makes it more perfect. Absolutely worth a listen.

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Black stories, timeless voices

February 26, 2025

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

The voices, stories and lives of Black creators are through these works, collected in honor of Black History Month.

Movies and Shows:

“One Night in Miami” — Regina King’s directorial debut, “One Night in Miami,” follows a fictionalized account of the Feb. 25, 1964 meeting of Malcolm X, Cassius Clay, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown. The four reflect on their place in society as prominent African American men during the Civil Rights movement, and the movie shows the tension among African American activists and figureheads leading up to Malcolm X’s assassination in 1965. “One Night in Miami” is free to stream on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

“Black-ish” — Running from 2014 to 2022 for eight seasons, “Black-ish” follows the Johnson family as they juggle personal, familial and sociopolitical issues, especially their wishes to stay true to their black identities while they live in a wealthy, suburban, white neighborhood. The show is available for purchase on Apple TV and Google Play.

“The Boondocks” — Part of the original lineup on Adult Swim, “The Boondocks” is an animated comedy series that follows the Freeman family as they settle into the fictional suburb of Woodcrest. Showcasing a mixture of cultures, social classes, lifestyles and racialized identities provides the show with its comedy and conflict throughout each episode. “The Boondocks” is streaming on Max and Adult Swim. 

“Poetic Justice” — This 1993 film follows Justice, a talented poet, as she road trips to Oakland with her friends in a mail truck. All four are struggling with the loss of different friends, and the film stands as a journey of discovery, rather than a commentary on society. The film is streaming on Apple TV. 

Books:

“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi — Inspired by Nigerian mythology, the first book in the “Legacy of Orïsha” trilogy follows Zélie, Tzain and Princess Amari as they set out to restore their people’s system of magic to Orïsha. While it is a young adult novel, it deals heavily with themes of oppression, racism and slavery, with the kosidán and maji — both fictitious social classes — standing in place of real-world institutions and groups. The book is also set to become a movie, starring Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba and Amandla Stenberg, and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. 

“All We Were Promised” by Ashton Lattimore — Set in 1837 Philadelphia, “All We Were Promised” follows three black women — Charlotte, a fugitive slave; Nell, an abolitionist from a wealthy black family; and Evie, Charlotte’s friend from her time as a slave — as they navigate life and find freedom in Philadelphia during a time marked by race riots and attacks on abolitionists. “All We Were Promised” is currently a nominee for the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Debut Novel award from Goodreads. 

“Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe — Considered one of the great novels about the colonial era, “Things Fall Apart” follows Okonkwo, a traditional leader of the fictional Igbo tribe of Umuofia. A feared warrior and wrestling champion, Okonkwo opposes colonialism and the early Christian missionaries, and the book follows him as he claws his way through the turbulent period. 

“It’s Elementary” by Elise Bryant — How far is too far when it comes to parents getting involved in their children’s lives? Bryant’s novel explores just that. Mavis has never been a PTA mom, not when she has too much on her plate, but she surprises herself when she caves to PTA president Trisha Holbrook’s wish for her to lead the school’s DEI committee. When the principal goes missing after Mavis sees Trisha wearing long yellow gloves and hauling cleaning supplies and black trash bags to her minivan, she’s determined to get to the bottom of things. With help from the school psychiatrist, Mavis launches an investigation that ends up challenging her views on parenting, friendship and elementary school politics. 

Music: 

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell — Gaye and Terrell’s duet is an uplifting, soulful anthem about unconditional love, devotion and support. The song talks about how no obstacle — mountain, valley or river — can keep people from being apart from the one they care about most. The song is a classic, uplifting the importance of commitment and the strength of human connection. 

“Hurry Up Tomorrow” by The Weeknd — The Weeknd’s newest studio album debuted Jan. 31 and wraps up the trilogy that includes his 2020 album “After Hours” and his 2022 album “Dawn FM.” With 22 songs spanning well over 90 minutes, it explores themes of fame, personal struggle and artistic transformation, with heavy R&B and synth-pop elements. The album currently sits at number one on the Billboard 200 Chart, where it’s been since its debut. 

“Exodus” by Bob Marley and the Wailers — One of the most influential and iconic reggae albums of our time, Marley recorded this 1977 album in London after surviving an assassination attempt while in Jamaica. Divided into two halves, “Exodus” focuses on political struggle, exile and social justice, while also delivering timeless, soulful songs about love and unity. In 1999, Time magazine named “Exodus” the best album of the 20th century, which solidified Marley’s legacy as both a musical and cultural icon.  

“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner — Originally performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Turner turned this song into one of her most iconic, adding her own signature to it. Lyrically, the song tells the story of leaving behind a mundane life to work on a Mississippi Riverboat and Turner’s version adds personal freedom and the joy of living life to the fullest. Blending soul and funk, Turner’s version of “Proud Mary” has become a timeless classic even more well-known than the original. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

What just happened?

February 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In a shocking move, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal finalized February 2, 2025. The trade sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to L.A., while Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also joined the trade, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
This trade sent shockwaves throughout the league, as there were no rumors or reports leading up to it — just a sudden announcement on a Saturday night. Even more surprising, Dončić never requested a trade and was expected to sign a supermax extension this summer. CBS Sports graded the trade for the Lakers an “A+” for acquiring a 25-year-old generational talent, while Dallas received an “F” for trading away their franchise cornerstone for an aging, injury-prone Davis.
Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, is facing intense backlash for the move. Fans feel betrayed, considering Dončić had just led the team to the NBA Finals last season and even purchased a $15 million home in Dallas, proving his commitment to the franchise.
For Dončić, the trade came as a complete shock. “I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” he told Mavericks fans in an emotional farewell. Now in Los Angeles, he joins forces with LeBron James, forming, potentially, one of the most skilled duos in NBA history. For the first time in his career, LeBron might not be the best player on his team — allowing him to take a lesser role and let Dončić shine.
The Lakers’ biggest concern is defense, as losing Davis leaves a hole in the frontcourt. General manager Rob Pelinka quickly moved to sign Mark Williams, a 7’0” center from the Charlotte Hornets. This addition aims to compensate Davis’ absence, while also providing stability on the defensive end.
For Dallas, acquiring Davis highlights a positive shift toward defense, but concerns about his age, 31, and injury history loom large. While he remains an elite player when healthy, his long-term durability is extremely questionable.
Some speculate the Mavericks made this move for financial reasons, avoiding Dončić’s upcoming supermax contract. However, most fans see it as a massive misstep, as Dončić was the face of the franchise and still had years of prime basketball ahead of him.
This deal is the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason. Some compare it to the 1988 Wayne Gretzky trade, which changed the NHL landscape forever.
Regardless of whether the Lakers secure a championship in the coming years, this trade will be seen as a successful, franchise-defining move. However, if the Mavericks fail to remain competitive, this move will go down as the worst in franchise history.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will focus on how Dončić adapts in L.A. and whether Dallas can recover from losing their biggest star. The debate over this trade is far from over — and its true impact will only be revealed with time.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Outdoor season begins

February 12, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

With the transition from indoor season to outdoor season, Western’s multi-event athletes Macy Clemens and Alexa McGowan are preparing to take on new challenges. 

A native of Albany, Oregon, first-year Alexa McGowan has been steadily adjusting to collegiate competition. Her track and field journey began in middle school as a way to stay in shape for soccer, but she soon discovered a profound passion for the sport. Initially a sprinter, she later expanded her skill set, competing at the state level before discovering her love for multi-events. During the indoor season, McGowan competed in her first collegiate multi-event meet.
While she is still refining her technique in hurdles, McGowan has embraced the challenge, knowing that she is only starting out and will improve with more experience. However, pole vault is McGowan’s strong suit and remains her favorite event, despite it not being part of the heptathlon. “Ever since I started my junior year of high school, the more I do it, the more I have fun.” 

As she transitions into the outdoor season, her focus is on gaining experience in the full heptathlon. While she doesn’t see herself competing beyond college, she is determined to make the most of her time as a student-athlete. Her advice to younger athletes is, “Put in the effort. Once I committed to training, I saw real progress. Trust your gut and have fun.”
Senior Macy Clemens, from Klamath Falls, Oregon, is embracing her last season with Western’s track team. Like McGowan, she initially took up track in high school to stay in shape for other sports but soon became drawn to the competition track had to offer. Originally a hurdler and jumper, she transitioned into multi-events in college at the encouragement of her coach. For Clemens, the transition to outdoor track means preparing for the full heptathlon — a seven-event competition that tests every aspect of the sport. Out of all the events, the 800-meter run poses the biggest challenge for Clemens. “Whenever I run the 800, I have to switch up my entire mindset. It’s a really tough event, and even though I dread it at times, I know I have to run it regardless. I just get myself hyped up to do it and try my hardest.” 

One of Clemens’ proudest achievements this year was her performance at the Reno Invitational, where she recorded personal bests despite coming off an injury. This moment validated her dedication and effort she invested throughout the offseason.. 

Balancing track and academics has also been a priority for Clemens. While succeeding on the track, she has also gained experience in digital marketing, a field she hopes to pursue after graduation. With a degree in business marketing and a current focus on organizational leadership in graduate school, she is preparing for life beyond athletics. 

As the outdoor season gets underway, Western fans can expect to see these two athletes continue to push their limits. While first-year McGowan aims to gain experience and build a strong foundation, fourth-year Clemens looks to end her collegiate career on a high note. With their sights set on personal bests and strong performances, Alexa McGowan and Macy Clemens are ready to take on the upcoming outdoor season with style.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Share your feedback

February 12, 2025

Written by: Daniella Dugan | Title III Coordinator

How do you honestly feel about being a student at Western? What would you change if you could? How has Western fallen short of your expectations? This is your chance to share what you honestly think about your experience at Western. The WOLF Student Experience Feedback form is Western’s first annual opportunity for students to give their anonymous feedback on all areas of student life. Academics, co-curriculars, on-campus dining, housing, employment, personal growth, sense of belonging and purpose — all of these topics and more are included. There is even an open comment section for you to talk about whatever specific issue you feel strongly about at the end of the form. The institution is eager to hear what is improving your experience, worth continued investment and what negatively impacts your overall satisfaction as a “Wolf.” 

The goal of the form is not only to give student voices a new platform to be heard, but to use this feedback to help make actionable change on campus. The responses collected will help guide revisions of programs, new services and student opportunities that you are asking for. There is often a large gap between the perceived needs of students and the actual needs of students — this is our chance to lessen that gap. While there may be efforts from your academic department to collect feedback and make improvements, this form is for the institution as a whole and aims to help guide high level decision making for various areas of the student experience, not just in academics. 

In addition to being part of the change you want to see, you’ll also be able to enter into a drawing for one of eight prizes, including two $100 Wolfstore gift cards. Depending on your campus involvement, you may be able to enter the drawing more than once. Once you make it to the end of the form, you’ll be led to a new page to collect your contact information and enter the drawing; this entry will not be linked to your form responses. If at any point in the form you have trouble answering or maybe don’t understand the question, just skip ahead. All sections are optional, so you can pick and choose what you want to respond to if you are short on time. 

The feedback form will be open during weeks seven through nine of winter term, Feb. 17 – March 9. It will not be open again until the 2025-26 year, so don’t miss your chance to inspire change at your campus.

Contact the author at dugand@mail.wou.edu

Love letter to Oregon

February 12, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Oregon will be celebrating its 166th birthday Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. 

In celebration, the Oregon State Capitol typically holds an event on the Saturday closest to Valentine’s Day, although no information for 2025 has been released thus far.

Established in 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state on the day of love. Portland was established earlier in 1851 — yet Astoria takes the cake as Oregon’s oldest town, founded in 1811 and being the first permanent United States settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

Roughly 12 thousand people migrated to the region on the Oregon Trail, one of the most commonly-used routes during the period of westward expansion in the U.S., finding their way to Oregon and leading to its founding.

Oregon, despite its current progressive status, does harbor a racist past; at its establishment, it had racial exclusionary laws, banning Black people from many towns until 1866. Although Oregon has come a long way, its history is vital to recall.

When compared to other states, Oregon stands out for its natural beauty, notoriously gloomy weather and state hub, Portland, occasionally called the “City of Roses.”

Oregon is the only state to have a two-sided flag. It also carries an impactful motto, separate from the flag: “She flies with her own wings.”

Geographically, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the whole country at 1,943 feet deep. In contrast, Oregon, for a period of time, had the shortest river in the world — D River — at 440 feet long, per Guinness World Records. The title has since been claimed by a shorter river elsewhere.

Oregon is home to about four million residents, and, possibly, one sasquatch. Some could say Oregon is obsessed with Bigfoot, boasting the Oregon Sasquatch Festival at Mt. Hood and the Glide Sasquatch Festival — “Big feet, bigger party.” Notoriously, Oregon also has the only known Bigfoot trap in the world in the Siskiyou National Forest.

Albany, Oregon, invites guests to the Monteith House — Albany’s oldest residence — at 11 a.m – 3 p.m. both Friday, Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day and Oregon’s 166th birthday — and Saturday, Feb. 15 for cake paired with a history lesson. The event is free to attend.

The Salem City Club will be hosting a trivia event, free admission, at noon on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Willamette Heritage Center.

Hillsboro, Oregon, advertises a craft workshop for Oregon’s birthday, describing it as “a fun-filled day of creativity and community as we honor the beautiful state of Oregon.”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

Salem speaks out

February 12, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

At approximately noon Wednesday, Feb. 5, hundreds of protesters lined up on both sides of Center Street north of the Oregon State Capitol building in defiance of President Trump, the deportation of illegal immigrants, Project 2025, Palestine’s destruction and Elon Musk. Oregonians came together for the 50501 movement, calling for 50 protests in 50 states in one day.

Many boasted signs and flags in respect to a variety of issues surfacing in America. Various chants rose above car horns blasting from supporters driving past: “This is what democracy looks like,” “We’re not going back,” “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go,” “Be loud, be clear, immigrants are welcome here” and “Free, free, free Palestine.”

“Today I’m here in solidarity with all working class people … we are facing — this has been an issue since forever — but right now, we’re at the precipice of some serious change,” said one protestor. “It’s important for people to show up, but there are people who are physically disabled who can’t be here, and I’m here representing my friends who can’t come out and be in the streets, but they’re also an integral part of our movement. We all matter.”

One woman — @theladyofportland on TikTok — was seen live streaming from atop her car, standing over the crowd. “I’m here to deport Musk and impeach Trump,” she said. “(I’m streaming because) I have a lot of followers. Because we’re at a protest, the biggest protest since Black Lives Matter — it’s even bigger than Portland’s (protest.)”

Multiple American flags flew, alongside various Pride flags and transgender flags. Some signs referenced educational concerns alongside reproductive rights.

According to the 50501 movement, more than 60 protests across 40 states have been arranged and turnout has amassed 72,000 participants nationwide.

Fourth-year Western student Desiree Hite, who attended the protest, stated, “Everybody matters. Everybody’s equal. Everybody deserves to live here and be here.”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu