Oversize, a rising alternative rock band from the South West of England, has released “Vacant,” the final single ahead of their debut album Vital Signs, which drops February 28, 2025, via SharpTone Records.
Musically, Vital Signs reflects the band’s diverse inspirations, drawing from 90s alternative giants like HUM, The Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, and Pixies while staying firmly rooted in the present. Their sound blends post-hardcore, alternative metal, shoegaze, and emo into something unmistakably their own.
“Lyrically, the song focuses around a lack of connection and communication with the people around you,” the band shared. “It’s about how easy it is to get complacent and not check in with someone, or open up with how you’re really feeling.” Already a favorite in their live set, “Vacant” embodies the raw yet reflective energy that has become their hallmark.
Oversize’s debut LP has already garnered attention from some of the UK’s key tastemakers. Jack Saunders of BBC Radio 1 described the band as “modern alt.metal music at its finest,” noting their ability to integrate a wide array of influences into a cohesive and compelling sound. The band’s early achievements include performances at Outbreak Festival and opening slots for Militarie Gun, Higher Power, Fiddlehead, Boston Manor, and more, cementing their place as a force within the UK’s alternative scene.
Despite forming only a few years ago, Oversize’s lineup—Sam Shutler (drums), Sam McCauley (vocals), George Lewis (bass), Tazz Edwards (guitar), and Lewis Lennane-Emm (guitar)—has quickly honed a fully realized sound. Their shared experiences, both in writing and performing live, have shaped the chemistry that drives their music. By embracing the vast emotional range of their influences without leaning too heavily on nostalgia, Oversize is carving out a space that feels fresh and vital.