Elvis Floyd – Five Alarm Panic (2026)
When I heard the name Elvis Floyd, my immediate association was the iconic Elvis Presley, not for music but for the name exclusively. Unfortunately, Floyd doesn’t have the same “thank you very much” swagger of Presley, he still holds his own as an eclectic artist with a cheeky grin and smooth wink. Hailing from Oxfordshire, Floyd is involved in every part of his music, from storytelling and singing to being a multi-instrumentalist producer, so we’re definitely getting an insight into him as an artist. This is my introduction to Elvis Floyd, even though he’s been turning heads for some time. Join us as we delve into his single, ‘Five Alarm Panic’.
Following his singles ‘Pheromone Kiss’ and ‘Scooter Girl’, ‘Five Alarm Panic’ taps into classic rock sounds with a dark, gothic, post-punk-tinged inspiration. In one way, the track is incredibly creepy and eerie, giving you some chills; on the other hand, it’s languid and soothing within the haunting soundscape. An almost anchoring drum meets a bold bass, while a lead guitar rides across the tune and delicate keys twinkling from beneath. As I said, kind of creepy and eerie, but Floyd embraces you in a deep caress with that wink and smile.
It’s not easy to explain what ‘Five Alarm Panic’ truly sounds like because it’s more than just a melody; it’s a transition to another time, space and realm. Instead of sitting in your armchair, hitting the play button, ‘Five Alarm Panic’ holds your hand as you navigate the ghostly sonic mire, walking past glistening rivers, murky lakes, and the odd brush eagerly leaning into the darkness with sinister intent. For me, it’s not the fact that this melody is a perfect fit for a 1980s gothic noir film with Nosferatu creeping along. For me, it’s the fact that Floyd’s vocals embody that Nosferatu quality with rich, honey-soaked, but still off-kilter spoken word.
So, overall opinion of Elvis Floyd and ‘Five Alarm Panic’? An intriguing artist who has much to offer from old-school rock to gothic post-punk and indie-rock. The title ‘Five Alarm Panic’ seemingly betrays the melody – no panic, no alarms, but a quick dropping of your heart into your stomach that is, oddly enough, rather welcome. I highly recommend Elvis Floyd and look forward to more.
Find out more about Elvis Floyd on his Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Spotify.
Listen to more rock music on The Other Side Reviews Rock playlist:
