Yorkshire’s LONG ISLAND drop debut EP, the freedom of being young.

By Graeme Smith

LONG ISLAND are one of the most exciting bands whose music has arrived on my desk in some time, perhaps ever. Their single homewrecker, which I ran the rule over in February, has stuck with me thanks to its powerful pop rock instrumental and compelling vocals.

The track sits at the heart of their debut EP, the freedom of being young, alongside six other tracks that showcase why LONG ISLAND are a force to be reckoned with. Rhiannon’s striking vocals play the starring role, backed ably by Cameron’s guitar and production, Jan’s drumming and Jack’s bass.

Youth is the central theme of the EP, and the band see it as a reminder to live while you’re young. The message is delivered immediately by opening track it’s our time which accepts the self-doubt that comes with being young, and tells the listener they’re doing OK through an anthemic chorus.

The aforementioned homewrecker is, of course, a highlight, and so is lead single want it more. It canters along with some driving bass through a smouldering first verse before exploding into life during its chorus. It shows the LONG ISLAND sound at its rockiest, and lyrically gets lost in youthful hedonism.

Elsewhere just another day gives us a funky groove, daydream some 1975esque vibrancy, and get up and go some uplifting understanding. Young closes the EP in triumphant style in the record’s livelist moment.

I really don’t think I’m overselling it when I talk about how good LONG ISLAND are. They have an approachable sound that instantly sticks with you, and have plenty to say with their music. I’m just waiting for them to blow up into something huge.

The band have plenty of Yorkshire gigs coming up, including a home town show in Huddersfield on 12 October 2024, then stops at Hull on 1 and 7 November.

The freedom of being young is out now and you can give it a listen below.