Long Island soars beyond the "Average" with a gleaming indie-pop gem

For Long Island indie poppers Huddersfield, the indie pop world is full of here-today, gone-tomorrow fads and warmed-over hooks, yet they bust through the noise with something fresh and human. Their newest single, "Average," is anything but; it takes you by the hips and drags you onto the dance floor, be that a sweaty club or your bedroom.

Fronted by the magnetic vocalist Rhiannon Stephenson, "Average" is bright and punchy and emotionally dialed in. Stephenson's performance strikes just the right balance of openness and strength, welcoming you into the story with open arms before propelling them into a chorus that lands like a confetti cannon. It's an anthem for the beautifully flawed, sewn up with shimmering guitars, taut rhythms, and joyous catharsis.

The single arrives just ahead of Long Island's debut album, 'Infatuation's a Nightmare,' which is out next month. If "Average" is any indication, this band is crafting something truly special, something that combines catchy hooks with raw expression. This is indie pop that feels handmade rather than algorithmically generated. A sharp hurt pings around under its surface, faint enough not to slow the track, but strong enough to leave you with a feeling.

 "Average" is a toe-tappin, head-bobbin' reminder that being in the middle doesn't mean you're invisible. For indie pop fans with depth, heart, and hooks, Long Island has created a space worth watching. "Average" might be your new favorite underdog anthem, an anthem for antisocial individuals who refuse to settle for mediocrity, and it's more than worth all those repeat plays.