Overpass are emerging indie band formed in Birmingham. The band consists of four close friends including Max Newbold on vocals and guitar, Elliot Rawlings on guitar, India Armstrong on bass and Jake Bishop on drums.

As the band exclusively told CLASH magazine, they were formed just before lockdown struck in December 2019 when lead vocalist Max put out a callout on social media platform Instagram where he met his fellow bandmates. However, as lockdown struck the band were put to a halt. He tells CLASH “…being a band through lockdown was important as it got us through that time” and a positive was that the friends had time to figure out who they were as a band together.

The band are also very down to earth, as India (bass) told Sound City “We did a show with them [Inhaler] That was probably our dream when we first started the band.” This relates back to the EP as a whole, as the band shows that it is never impossible to dream about the extraordinary and anything is possible if you put your mind and heart to it.

As described by the band themselves, their sound has been influenced by decades of music and 2023 is the year for their taking. When I first listened to their debut EP From the Night, I could definitely tell that they are on the home stretch of seizing the year.

When I listened to the title song of the EP ‘From the Night’, I knew I was in for a treat. The sound the band gives is so unique, mixing rock beats with heartfelt lyrics. The chorus really stood out to me with these lyrics as lead singer Max’s vocals shone through with the instrumentals complimenting these beautifully. ‘And, girl you saved me from the night / Gave me more than I wanted out of life’ shows how young love is a huge part of growing out of your teenage years into adulthood, as well as navigating your twenties alongside this.

Another track of the EP was ‘Alright’ which showcased more of how the band are navigating the ups and downs of early adulthood. The accompanying music video alongside the lyrics was a joy to watch. Listeners are placed in the story of a couple on a date around the area of Digbeth in Birmingham with the band having fun in the background of this as they explore the different sites, such as the adventurous arcade of NQ64 where vintage game consoles are dotted around an exciting bar scene.

Also, another single of the EP was ‘Beautiful’ with an accompanying candid music video of the band performing the song live at many shows, local in the band’s hometown of Birmingham and national across the UK. I loved the personal insights of the band’s life alongside the vocals and instrumentals of the song.

Overall, the EP was an absolute joy to listen to as it explored the highs and lows of young adulthood and being in your twenties. From the Night will be constantly on repeat for me as I loved the versatile and unique sound of Overpass and I cannot wait for what is to come for them.

Rating: 9/10

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