The voices progressing the UK indie scene: A review of overpass’ second EP, ‘Dependent’
Birmingham indie band overpass have been in demand supporting musical artists all over the UK lately and it’s no wonder; their contagious energy and engaging stage presence succeed in the sometimes difficult task of warming up crowds for their headliners.
As you’d expect, their musical stamina and intensity extends to the band’s second EP, Dependent, which released on February 28th. With upbeat guitar riffs and energetic drum beats that pack a punch for the most upbeat of playlists, the EP is one you’ll just have to play on repeat this Autumn.
The project opens on a strong note with Be Good to Yourself, originally released as a single on October 24th. The track and its accompanying music video is an ode to togetherness and the importance of treating yourself well as a young person in the digital age. Hard-hitting lyrics including, “It’s hard to put down the phone when you’re glued to the screen / And you tap on the glass cause your fingers can’t scream” display their songwriting prowess, whilst vocalist Max Newbold’s delivery offers a certain desperation for younger generations to take care when it comes to screens.
Like No Other follows translating brilliantly to the stage. Coming just a week after the announcement of Dependent in July 2024, the single began a flood of anticipation for this EP. It encapsulates overpass’ current sound with bouncy guitar riffs from Max and fellow guitarist Elliot Rawlings; the higher-pitched pre-chorus becomes an earworm. The official music video for this song shows the closeness of the quartet and appreciates the small details in life. There are random moments interspersed with close ups of windows similar to those on the cover of the EP. Like No Other is a favourite amongst the five on Dependent, but the quality does not decrease from here.
The middle of the EP unlocks a new side to overpass with the ballad, Slow. The song’s energy comes from a deeper place and slows the pace at the perfect time while providing some of the most emotional lyrics of Dependent. Max belts out heartfelt lines such as “come down slow / I miss the feeling of a broken home / And everyone here has a place to go / Everybody but me,” but this introspective turn doesn’t last for long. The following song, Take It Or Leave It catapults back into fast-paced drums and ripping guitar riffs which overpass have shown off before. Jake Bishop’s drumming ability drives the song onwards, along with India Armstrong on the bass. Take It Or Leave It confirms overpass as the new voices ready to transform the UK indie scene.
India continues to shine on the closing track and titular song of the EP, Dependent. The opening verse suggests that this may be a slower and more stripped-back end, but that’s completely wrong. With a chorus offering an explosion of noise, overpass ends Dependent in the same way they open it: strong, loud and energetic.
With Dependent, overpass have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with as one of the most exciting upcoming bands in the UK. The five anthems they have given fans show how quickly they are progressing while staying true to themselves. Their live performances in spring welcomed new fans and it seems as though they only continue to grow.
Their headline tour starts later this month, with dates across the UK & EU:
Whilst we wait for tour, make sure to follow overpass on Instagram so you don’t miss an update, and stream the rest of their discography on Spotify. For those who need recommendations, check out their debut EP From the Night as well as their 2022 single, 3AM.