Loveproof set to release second record

The story of Loveproof recounts a tale of fated reunion where two musicians whose shared creative chemistry simply continued to stand the test of time. The Toronto-based project was started by instrumentalist Brendan McGarvey and vocalist Ciaran Megahey who first crossed musical paths in the late 90s as wide-eyed high schoolers in Scarborough. It was 1996, mosh pits ruled the local scene, the internet was still a novelty and their early attempts at forming a band were short-lived. The spark was there, but life pulled them in different directions.

Fast forward to 2013, and fate intervened; by pure coincidence, the two ran into each other on the street, on his way to an open mic, Brendan on his own evening wander. A quick catch-up turned into a long conversation, and before long, they were swapping song ideas over email, leading to a new project that channelled their shared love of Joy Division, Guided by Voices and My Bloody Valentine, with a song by the latter inspiring the band’s name. With a nod to “Loveless,” they christened themselves Loveproof, setting out to blend dark, cryptic “doom pop” with dashes of dub and dreamlike melancholy.

Their debut album, Neon Blood, Vol. 1, arrived in 2017, marking their official return and re-establishing their knack for pairing atmospheric textures with emotional impact. A few years later, they delivered a reinterpretation of Joy Division’s “Wilderness,” a New Order-esque reimagining that paid homage while revealing their own voice. In 2023, their first EP Winter’s Children, was released to critical acclaim and featured “Spires,” their most streamed track to date.

Now they bring us the long-awaited follow up to their first outing with their upcoming sophomore record titled Neon Blood, Vol. 2. Recorded at Mammoth Hall Studio in Toronto, the album blends elements of dream pop, indie rock and dub, all stitched together with an subtly gothic thread. “It’s been a long journey. Brendan and I have been working on some of this material for upwards of eight years. He’s a perfectionist, but it was worth the wait. Of all the music I’ve made, this is the one I’m most proud of,” Ciaran shares.

The record opens with “Blood Eagle,” an ominous, slow-burning track that rises from a mist of synths, driven by Brendan’s hypnotic bass pulse. Ciaran’s hushed voice carries cryptic, poetic lyricism, slicing through the smokey atmosphere with delicate melodies to form an engrossing listening experience throughout. On “Midnight Sun,” dub-tinged rhythms give way to Ciaran’s eerie voice as the twang of guitar notes glides alongside to offer an epic trip hop-tinged scene that contrasts deep low end instrumentation with delicately melodic songwriting.

“Mirrors” arrives with bright guitar tones and the surge of atmospheric synths, all set in motion by the laid back punch of drums on a song that thematically confronts ideas of self-obsession and digital alienation with biting reflection.

Songs like “Daughter of Time” deliver the perfect showcase of Loveproof’s blend of grooving rhythms and hypnotic melodic writing, casting a soundscape that’s dreamy, dark and memorable all at once.

“This Hunger” brings a gentle rhythmic bounce of softly rattling percussion, the colourful bubble of synths and emotive vocal performance, resulting in a stunning musical moment on the album. “The Greenest Eyes” flows with downtempo percussive bounce, minimal instrumental backing and mesmeric vocal lines while “Night of the Flowers” leans into a subtly brighter sound of elegant vocals, smooth grooves and jangly guitar textures.

Closing the record with “Untouchable,” the mellow shuffle of drums and quietly pulsing bass is met by soft vocals to deliver an enveloping finale to the band’s sensational second album. From start to finish, Neon Blood, Vol. 2 is an album that feels equally personal and prophetic, presenting a dissection on faith, modern life and the fragility of meaning in a fractured world. With its intricate production and emotional context, fans will have much to look forward to from this highly anticipated release which is set to land on the 5th of December.

Listen to Loveproof’s top tracks below