Kickstarting Winter with Overpass at Stylus

Indie rock band Overpass stopped off at Leeds on the last Friday of October, halfway through their tour in support of their debut album Elsewhere, Always (2026). Their venue of choice was Leeds University Union’s very own Stylus, right in the heart of campus. Of the eight supporting acts accompanying them across the UK and Ireland, Nico & Linus and Cherryholt opened for their Leeds gig.

Doors opened at 6:30pm to a long line of students waiting in anticipation. This was unsurprising, as the tickets completely sold out shortly after the tour was announced. Blue stagelights illuminated the stage from all angles, and washed over the three levels of audience members. By the time the first performance began, there was already a crowd filling up the pit in front of the stage, even more gathered at the railings surrounding it. To the left of the entrance was a stand selling merchandise of all three bands playing, and bartenders were pouring Friday night pints close to the railings.

The first opener, up-and-coming Nico & Linus, began their set at 6:45pm. Nicolas Saggesse, Linus Barry and three stage musicians stood under the spotlights and took their places to begin their set. They greeted the attendees before playing seven songs to the crowd’s  delight. The band switched between both energetic and relaxed tunes without sounding offputting. During their last song,there was a saxophone pulled out in place of the guitar, many audience members cheering at the surprise. I myself was quite shocked, though I still applauded the smooth playing of the instrument. They then ended their set by thanking their backup players and the crowd for watching them. Though the tracks Nico & Linus performed are not publicly available, they will likely be released as singles in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled on their socials.

At 7:30pm, Cherryholt took to the Pyramid stage. In just one sentence, they sent the audience into a frenzy of cheers; “You might know this one, it’s called Irresistible.”

They then played their hit single that brought them onto the map and landed them a contract with Regal Records. Many in the crowd began dancing, some simply bobbing their heads and recording the performance with their phones, though it was clear everyone was overjoyed. Afterwards, they played more of their singles and some unreleased music, though the crowd’s activity did not reach the peak of the ‘Irresistible’ performance. As the night went on, the crowd got more and more excited. They ended their set with their second most popular song, ‘The Bullet’, before thanking the crowd and leaving.

One aspect of both openers I noticed was the lack of audience interaction outside of general introductions and appreciations. Though not inherently bad, it just contrasted with other gigs I have personally experienced, such as Swans at Project House and Party Cannon at the Key Club.

Finally, at 8:30pm, Overpass came on for their set, the main attraction. Before a finger even touched a guitar string, there was already rapturous applause from the audience. They opened with ‘Union Station’, one of their more popular songs and the opening track of Elsewhere, Always (2026). Many were recording the opening performance with their phones, unsurprising as Overpass have grown on social media vastly over the last year. Following the opening song, they played all but one of the songs from their debut album, with other singles and tracks from their Dependent (2025) EP. 

While I highly enjoyed Overpass, one moment in the set was slightly awkward for me. Newbold told the audience they had been great to play for, implying they were going to finish soon, before playing ‘Bonnie & Clyde Pt. 2’, a solo performed only by him. I thought this would mark the end, but they kept playing. Of course, I was more than happy to hear more of their songs, but it confused me for a bit when they moved onto ‘Beautiful’.

My previous comment regarding audience interaction did not apply to Overpass, vocalist and frontman Max Newbold sometimes spoke to the audience between songs, and invited them to sing along in the second half of their set. Judging from the crowd’s constant cheering and dancing, it was clear they were the favourite act of the gig. The audience quickly left soon after Overpass.

As for Stylus, its location is convenient for any student who lives on or close to the University of Leeds’ campus. Though the drinks and merchandise were slightly overpriced in my opinion, the cheaper tickets made up for it. Seating and special access is also available for physically disabled attendees. Four wheelchair spaces can be granted on a first come, first served basis. It is well worth going to at least one gig in Stylus, though you should buy your tickets quickly; you’re not the only one eyeing those ticket prices.

Words by Fred Wood.