LVCRFT drops new album ‘V’

LVCRFT is formed by an enigmatic trio behind some of the music industry’s most iconic hits who, under their haunting alter ego deliver a sinister project dedicated to crafting hook-filled Halloween-inspired pop music. Under the mantra ‘Spooky Never Sleeps,’ LVCRFT introduces us to a dimension where the eerie and the infectious collide.

The Grammy awarded songwriters Evan “Kidd” Bogart and Amanda “MNDR” Warner, along with producer Peter Wade and other collaborating creatives, leads the charge for LVCRFT. They maintain an air of mystery by adopting spooky pseudonyms, and their impressive track record includes chart-topping hits for artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mark Ronson, Katy Perry, Dua Lipa and Lizzo.

LVCRFT made its initial mark in 2019 with the breakout hit “Skeleton Sam,” a track that set the stage for their unique blend of spooky-themed music. Now, LVCRFT brings us their highly anticipated fifth album, aptly titled V, which dives further into the story of Skeleton Sam’s mission to save his lost love, Seraphina.

Opened by “Everyday Is Halloween,” the album kicks off with the project’s year-round spooky ethos via an infectiously catchy pop hit. Opened by ominous bell chimes, a bouncy rhythm takes hold as soulful female vocal leads hop above. Gritty synth rumbles build the intensity before the song erupts into an instantly memorable chorus of hook-filled vocal lines and slick guitar flourishes.

“Burnin'” sees LVCRFT link with Dehiro for a pounding electronic pop anthem. Crunching synth shot rapidly pulse above a punching beat as commanding vocal leads thread alluring melodies. Once again showcasing their knack for crafting ear-worm choruses, “Burnin'” serves up an energising pop sound.

“Bad Witches” opens with eerie instrumental plucks before shifting into an upbeat, grooving pop sound with subtle country undertones. Playful vocals flutter above a superb arrangement of pumping bass lines, bright brass shots and whistling synth lines.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Purgatory,” featuring Monte Revolta, crafting a whimsical, spooky sound as Monte weaves a theatrical vocal performance above a Halloween-approved sonic fabric of stuttering organ chords and unnerving synth lines. “Scream! (For Halloween)” features The Remains, serving up a lively indie rock sound driven by shuffling drums, smokey guitar tones and a powerful vocal display that sees the two artists trade lines on this terrifically shocking outing capped by a sensational sax solo.

The album closes with “Fare Thee Well,” transporting listeners back decades with a hazy honky tonk style style, filtered through a grainy, lo-fi aesthetic as elegant female vocals dance above the playful plinks of a piano, offering a unique and intriguing finale to the project’s highly original and entirely enjoyable fifth record.

Listen to V below