Loveproof, which began as a collaboration between vocalist Ciaran Megahey (The Autumn Stones) and producer/instrumentalist Brendan McGarvey (Jerkbank, Stereohoax, Sugarkill), released their 10-track LP Neon Blood Volume 2 on December 5 via Chic Monk Records. For fans of dark yet melodic electronic music with a hint of gothic atmosphere, this album is a real treat. Interestingly, their debut album, Neon Blood Volume 1, came out back in 2017. Since then, however, Loveproof haven’t been idle, releasing, for example, the EP Winter’s Children, which featured the successful single Spires.
The album consists of 10 tracks. The opening track, “Blood Eagle,” immediately draws you in with its hypnotic atmosphere. Built around a simple synth riff, accompanied by a similarly entrancing beat and laid-back vocals, the song feels effortless yet emotive, flowing over the instrumental layers without ever feeling forced. At the same time, it’s the shortest track, serving as a perfect introduction to the album’s world.
The following track, “Midnight Sun,” is instrumentally darker, with vocals leaning more into a gothic vibe. Loveproof seem to oscillate somewhere between Depeche Mode, Joy Division, and Placebo, with subtle hints of industrial sounds, though everything remains centered on Megahey’s expressive voice. I particularly enjoy the gentle breaks, where the song quiets down before building toward its climactic finale.
“Mirrors,” the third track and a single, opens with a pleasing guitar riff that gradually merges with the vocals and a dense beat with bass. The song has clear hit potential, yet like the previous tracks, it avoids a predictable structure. I imagine Loveproof’s songs more like flowing water that pulls you in, rather than following straightforward chorus-driven pop formulas. I especially love the final guitar in Mirrors, which enters in the last three-quarters of a minute, complementing the track beautifully – here, I even catch subtle Tears for Fears vibes.
The middle of the album features the punchy “Daughter of Time”, built on a rolling, dense atmosphere, while “This Hunger” is more energetic, driven largely by its memorable guitar riff.
From the album’s latter half, the slightly darker “From the Trees” stands out. Its experimental intro is almost creepy, leading into a very gothic melody that evokes wandering through a foggy forest. At around 1:15, a brighter riff and melody briefly pierce the darkness, only for the song to return to its deeply dark verse. In contrast, “Night of the Flowers” carries a more euphoric feel, providing a lift before the album’s finale.
The closing track, “Untouchable”, feels perfectly designed as an outro. It begins with subtly unsettling electronics, gradually introducing a catchy riff and rich bass atmosphere before the vocals enter. The track builds seamlessly, and although a light chorus emerges, it still reminds me more of that flowing river, gently winding through a misty forest and rocky cliffs.
Neon Blood Volume 2 is a captivating journey through dark, melodic, and gothic-tinged electronic soundscapes. Loveproof demonstrate an impressive balance of hypnotic synths, expressive vocals, and intricate arrangements. It’s no surprise that this album took roughly eight years to create — you can hear a lot of meticulous work behind it, yet it certainly hasn’t stripped the songs of their soul.
This album was discovered via Submit Hub
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