At Music Scene Media, we pride ourselves on finding up-and-coming gems for you. Well, meet your newest pop-rock obsession— Fifth Floor. The quartet (Elijah Edwards, Joshua Wilson, Trey Pavlik, and PJ Patterson) draws inspiration from artists like Coin, The 1975, Five Seconds of Summer, and Paramore for a sound that's all their own. You can check out our exclusive interview below!
Their newest EP, it's not that serious, is a lively four-track introduction to the band. They tell us that:
"People should check out Fifth Floor because we have a very diverse sound and we pack our live shows with as much energy as possible!"
I can recommend them for their energy confidently based off of their EP. With their fresh vibes, the band is still discovering themselves and their sound and invite listeners to go on the journey with them. I think some of their success as a band is in their versatility and how their sound can be familiar to new listeners as it emulates so many other bands that new listeners already know and love.
REVIEW
track 1: eyes on me
The song starts with a very pop-punk sound that feels reminiscent of Paramore and Fall Out Boy. The drum-line paired with a guitar effect immediately draws the listener in. While Fifth Floor takes inspiration from many genres, the lyrics and vocal affectation categorize "Eyes On Me" firmly in the world of pop meets punk-rock.
The hook, "just keep your eyes on me/its all I need/cause everyone loves a little company" is upbeat and dynamic– I could see crowds at a live show loving this. This hook (but also the song as a whole) absolutely feels like it could be right at home in Fall Out Boy or Five Seconds of Summer's discographies. The choruses bring a funky feel with a wah-wah effect on the guitar. The song is playful at its core, keeping the youthful feel of the band.
The track has a strong sense of movement that is carried by their rhythm section. The lead guitars take center stage supported by the groove of the bass and drums.
I can see myself dancing to this in a crowded fog-filled venue. Overall it is a fun song that is lighter than some of their other work but successfully introduces the band to listeners.
track 2: i h8 ur boyfriend
I also hate boyfriends as a raging lesbian myself so points to the band for the title, it made me laugh.
This track has a moodier start and overall has a more emo feel. It is the picture of a jealous boy anthem and feels somewhat reflective of Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" in subject. Break up with your partner if they don't treat you well and I'd treat you better, both songs seem to say.
I enjoyed the vocals and energy on the 1st verse starting with the line "I wish you'd let him go stop wasting time," the lyrics float as the singer complains about the bad decision making of the subject.
The pre-chorus is an almost talk-singing affectation starting with "It's nothing personal just know/ I hate your boyfriend." This song has a ton of switch-ups which make it incredibly dynamic.
Don't take this song seriously, enjoy it for its snark and informal nature. The lyric in the chorus "I just hate your boyfriend/but I've never met him" is hilarious almost to the point of self-awareness. Fifth Floor knows that this judgement is unrealistic but this is part of what makes the unserious chorus so entertaining.
The song is simple but gets its point across quickly. My listening notes read: "yes, go be mean!" It's an emo boy I hate your boyfriend anthem, but it is successful.
track 3: sorry
The third track on it's not that serious is more of a ballad. The production in "Sorry" is more stripped-down compared to their other songs.
On first listen, the song feels regretful. It starts with admitting a longing for an unidentified subject. The track explores a lost relationship, feelings of self-doubt, and a desire to be different, and is overall a musical apology in name and subject matter. The lyrics ask: "Why am I the way that I am?"
The chorus is fun vocally while still maintaining a feeling of melancholic regret with the lyrics, "I'd make it up to you/ but I know we're through" its very floaty, "I won't say I'm sorry now anymore" with the word sorry extending.
The second verse is the most dynamic, with each line flowing into the next: "don't think I'll give you up/don't think I'll let you go/yeah you're stuck in my head/ just had to let you know/that you're the only one/ the only one for me / but I'm a selfish boy/ cuz I won't set you free". The verse has good rhythm then floats right into the chorus again.
The vulnerability of "Sorry" comes from the quieter raw vocals taking center stage over the backing instruments in the majority of the track. This shift from their other songs is juxtaposed by the larger ending which offers some resolution to the emotional subject. Fifth Floor shines in the way that they build their instrumental endings. I really enjoyed the band in the end of this track– as the emotion builds, the instruments all come in to generate a grand feeling and then release.
I think that this track showcases a different side to Fifth Floor that I enjoyed. In "Sorry," we hear the addition of a violin and have a more intimate listening experience. This feeling is created by curating select parts of the song to provide openness and vulnerability. Often these moments come with the strings or keys adding the final emotional punch.
track 4: Talk Is Cheap
For the conclusion of the EP, the band returns to a more energetic sound. From the very beginning, the track takes listeners back to an overdriven and funky groove with the guitars.
The song progresses well from the start, lending a 2000s pop-punk band feel. Very upbeat nice adding in of the band following the guitars. This is their most successful track instrumentally, selling me on "Talk Is Cheap" before the vocals even begin.
The track is full of urgency to make every moment count as they sing of their last night to be together. The chorus says they have "one more night/ to call you mine".
If you enjoy a good rock breakdown, you will be sure to enjoy Fifth Floor and this track exemplifies this sentiment. The drummer goes full Bonham.
The end is reminiscent vocally of 5sos in an echoed repeat of the hook "one more night to..." as the guitar builds into a dance-y riff. Blink-182 also comes to mind as the music builds to end the track.
INTERVIEW
Your music masterfully blends elements of different genres and styles. How do you approach genre and style when writing and recording music?
When we’re writing we usually just go with what vibe hits us first. We all have a very diverse taste in music and so when we’re writing those different tastes really come out in each of our individual parts.
What do you think sets your music apart in such a crowded industry?
I think what sets us apart is that we’re not really tied to a certain genre especially with the new music that we’re currently creating. We try to explore as many different styles as possible because we’re constantly inspired by many different things.
Can you share a little bit about the creative process for your EP, it’s not that serious?
Yes! So “Eyes On Me”, “i h8 ur boyfriend” and “Sorry” were all previously written songs by Eli that we had revamped as a band. “Talk Is Cheap” is the first song that we wrote collaboratively as a group. Everything was recorded, mixed and mastered with Anunt Singh from Spicehouse recording studio.
If you had to pick out your favorite song or lyrics from the EP, what would they be?
Josh - Sorry and favorite lyrics are “I’m a selfish boy, because I won't set you free.”
Eli - i h8 ur boyfriend and favorite lyrics are “we’re burning bridges and falling out of love”
PJ - Sorry and favorite lyrics are “But I’m invisible at least I am to you.”
Trey - Talk is Cheap and favorite lyrics are “I’m a selfish boy, because I won't set you free.”
Can you share any personal experiences that have significantly influenced your music or lyrics?
Heartbreak, financial instability and falling out with friends has definitely inspired a lot of the new music we’re writing. As well as just being open and honest with yourself about where you are and where you’re heading in life.
What are your goals for your music career, and where do you see yourself in the next few years?
We honestly don’t know. We want to make as much quality music as we can and see where it takes us.
What do you do outside of music to find inspiration?
For us we try to get away from music and just live life. Go to work, hang out with friends, be with family and things like that.
Lastly, hype yourselves up! Why should people check out Fifth Floor?
People should check out Fifth Floor because we have a very diverse sound and we pack our live shows with as much energy as possible!