Bursting out of what seems to be a burgeoning and diverse Brighton scene comes Floors + Walls. A lot has been made of the guys ushering in a  “Chavcore” scene given that they mix rock and UK rap styles with a sharp social commentary that echoes the likes of The Streets or The Libertines. 

What is clear on this 2^nd single is that the band have a keen sense of humour and this is allied to a unique musical backing, the best example being the live version of “Grimey” with some fairly puerile lyrics backed up by a muscular performance  that proves that the guys can play and mean business. 

“The Stand” is a  narrated up-tempo track that has its roots in The Streets “Fit And You Know It” that deals with a conflict between the main character and some guys outside a bar and does include some wry social references, its a perky enough track, full of choppy rhythms, but some of the vocals seem a little contrived in places. 

The cover of The Beastie Boys “Sabotage” is okay but the Anglicised translation doesn't really work. They've altered the line “I'm gonna set it straight, this Watergate” to “I'm gonna set it straight, this Margate”  and instead of  “listen all y'all this is Sabotage” we get “listen all of you this is Sabotage”  for example. As cover versions go it's a reasonable attempt at the Beastie's classic and musically the band just about nail it - the groove on the Floors + Walls version is a little tighter and on the beat where the original benefits from a looser feel.  

All in all, what Floors + Walls prove on this release is that they've got talent, ideas, and a unique musical slant on British youth culture. They do however run the risk of being seen as a novelty act with some of their lyrics . This would be a shame as there does seem to be more on offer than just some comedy rhymes, the band are tight musically and Alex Adams has a powerful and flexible voice, that said I'm sure that “The Stand” will strike a chord with certain sections of  their audience and in the current climate of regionally inflected rock dominating the airwaves has every chance of getting the band wider exposure.

Let us know your views on 'The Stand'

Track Listing

The Stand
Sabotage
Grimey(Live)

Line Up 

Alex Adams – Vocals
Ian Booth – Bass
Dom McNulty – Guitar
Adam Sharp – Drums