Overpass have said their cover of Harry Styles’ “American Girls” is influencing the direction of their next songs, according to NME. The Birmingham indie band discussed the track while speaking backstage at Mad Cool 2026.
The group recently released their debut album, “Elsewhere, Always,” following their 2025 EP “Dependent.” Singer and guitarist Max Newbold said the record has gone further than they expected, while bassist India Armstrong said fan reaction at festivals across Europe, especially in the UK, has been encouraging.
The album’s songs focus on themes such as self-doubt, burnout and hustle culture. Newbold said writing about those experiences in a relatable way was important because it helps listeners connect with the band and makes live shows feel more meaningful.
Overpass also talked about their BBC Radio 1 Future Artists cover of Styles’ mashup of “American Girls” and Underworld’s “Born Slippy.” Newbold said the band were drawn to it because they had been listening to it for a long time and wanted to try something a bit poppier while still making it their own.
Armstrong said the cover helped them think about songwriting in a new way, and drummer Jake Bishop said the experience has pushed the band toward more adventurous ideas. The group said they have already started writing new material and are eager to get back into the studio, though Armstrong noted it is still early days.
