Photo Credit: Megan Hardy
Words: Sophie Thompson
Birmingham’s own OVERPASS took to the stage on Saturday night to a sold-out Birmingham crowd for their homecoming show giving an energetic performance which had the floor bouncing within the first beats of Jake Bishop’s drums. There was an energy which only a hometown show could deliver.
One year on from their debut headline performance at the O2 Institute, a venue which up and coming bands dream of headlining themselves, OVERPASS have never failed to give a top-class performance each time.
The night was off to a breathtaking start with performances from EIGHTY-EIGHT MILES and BALANCING ACT. Firstly, EIGHTY-EIGHT MILES are a Midlands based Indie rock band, with a captivating stage presence and charisma similar to fellow indie rock band Blossoms and music megastars Fleetwood Mac. EIGHTY-EIGHT MILES have certainly solidified their status as ‘one to watch’ with their hit single ‘Diana’ warming up the crowd for a night of sing along indie classics. A short moment later, the Birmingham crowd were delighted to an electric performance from Manchester band BALANCING ACT, the Alternative Rock band who have been certified “the new generations favourite band” by Radio One’s Jack Saunders and this was clear after Saturday night’s performance.
The anticipation was over as the stage descended into darkness, cheers and screams erupted as OVERPASS made their long-awaited arrival on stage. Opening their set with their single ‘Be Good to Yourself’ the track which is consumed by strong guitar riffs and a catchy chorus that had the packed out O2 break out into mosh pits from the first guitar riff. They effortlessly transitioned into ‘Alright’ the number taken from their debut EP ‘From the Night’ released in 2024.
Their set delivered a perfect blend of their early fan favourites and a mix of their sophomore EP ‘Dependent’ as well as a taster of what’s to come for OVERPASS with unreleased songs ‘Sandman’ and ‘Union Station’. The attention demanding tracks ‘3am’ and ‘Otherside of Midnight’ proved that it is live on stage where OVERPASS’ music really comes to life with impeccable crowds cheering them along the way.
The Birmingham newcomers consist of Max Newbold (guitar/vocals), Elliot Rawlings (guitar), India Armstrong (bass) and Jake Bishop (drums), together OVERPASS create a sound which perfectly encapsulates the live energy of 90’s and 00’s rock giants.
Ending the night beautifully with ‘Beautiful’, the flawlessly curated chorus created a harmony which lasted well after the night ended. The track saw a sea of people on each other’s shoulders and even crowd surfers together this fabricated an atmosphere which epitomises what OVERPASS truly are about.
It is inevitable that OVERPASS are on the road to bigger things, and it will not be long before they begin to sell out venues bigger than they could ever have imagined.
Taped Magazine 