With their second EP, Dependent, Birmingham quartet overpass continue to solidify their place in the indie rock scene, blending alt-pop sensibilities with a dynamic, high energy sound. Across five tracks, the band explores themes of self worth, nostalgia, and emotional dependency, all wrapped in catchy melodies and sharp instrumentation.
Opening track “Be Good To Yourself” sets the tone with distorted guitars and pounding drums, creating a soaring anthem that fills every inch of space. There’s a contrast at play, the lyrics deal with self doubt and isolation, yet the track pulses with an uplifting energy. Lines like “Even if you’re good for nothing, be good to yourself” carry an emotional weight, urging resilience in the face of struggle. Max Newbold’s vocals deliver both vulnerability and conviction, making it easy to imagine this song echoing across a festival crowd.
“Like No Other” follows, bringing a summery, effortlessly catchy vibe. The bassline drives the track forward, while the shimmering guitar work is reminiscent of Pixies, adding a nostalgic yet fresh touch. It’s the sort of track that calls for being blasted with the windows down, carrying a bittersweet edge in its lyrics about uncertainty and longing.
Slowing things down slightly, “Slow” brings a moodier, more intimate atmosphere. “I miss the feeling of a broken home, and everyone here has a place to go, everybody but me,” Newbold sings, offering one of the most emotional lines on the EP. The song builds from a place of tension, embodying a restless, painful loneliness that lingers in its chorus.
Just as the EP deepens its introspective tone, “Take It Or Leave It” charges forward with intense energy. The bassline cuts through, the guitars growl, and the urgency in the lyrics makes it one of the most powerful moments on the album. There’s an underlying frustration here, an unspoken challenge: “Take me as I am.” It’s a bold, anthemic piece, made for a live setting, where its soaring chorus and relentless momentum are sure to hit hardest.
Closing with the title track, Dependent brings the EP to an emotional peak. Starting softly, it gradually builds into something powerful, mirroring the push and pull of emotional dependence. The imagery of being pulled into the sea, with waves rising and falling, symbolises the precariousness of relying too heavily on another. The way the vocals merge with the music during the chorus intensifies this idea, coming together like fates entwined. It’s a poignant, crashing finale that lingers long after the final note.
Overpass have created an EP that feels both deeply personal and hugely relatable, striking a balance between self reflection and anthemic energy that demands to be cranked up. Dependent is a testament to their evolution as both songwriters and performers.