When two longtime friends who met as 13-year-olds at jazz camp form a band, it’s not just a story of musical evolution; it’s the celebration of a shared journey that transcends mere notes and rhythms. Trash Pals, the duo behind the new “Power Hug” EP, are Conor Rayne and Gabe Schnider—two musicians who, despite their roots in New York City’s ever-evolving music scene, found their truest expression in sunny Los Angeles. The music they’ve crafted in “Power Hug” is a sonic exploration and a warm invitation to embrace love in all its forms: self-love, platonic, and romantic love. A love that, as they so delicately put it, “quietly reminds us that love is cool and everyone deserves to be loved.” Trash Pals’ unique blend of rock-pop and soft-rock is made even more sincere by the imperfections they embrace in their craft, inviting us to feel the humanity beneath the sound. “Power Hug” EP was released on November 25 as the band’s 5th release this year. Let’s talk about it below.
The EP opens with “Blossom,” a track that feels like the first step of a warm embrace. Its gentle yet uplifting melodies evoke the sensation of watching a flower slowly unfurl under the sun, reaching out for the world in a graceful display of owning up. Conor Rayne’s vocals here carry the weight of sincerity, smooth and emotionally vulnerable, yet filled with an unshakeable resolve. His light and textured voice wraps around you like a soft touch that says, “You’re okay.” Gabe Schnider’s guitar work glides between shimmering, bright chords that amplify the track’s theme of new beginnings and hopeful growth.
“Garden” follows, bringing in a deeper, more thoughtful tone. Here, the duo’s songwriting skills are on display as they weave a lush thread of sound, mirroring the imagery of a garden—both wild and cultivated. The track is praised by a swaying rhythm that mirrors the way love grows and shifts in all its forms. Gabe’s guitar riffs grow more complex here, winding in and out of the softer basslines and percussion, creating an almost tangible sensation of warmth. The two harmonize with ease, playing off each other in a way that speaks to their long-standing connection—this is a friendship, this is collaboration, and this is pure musical chemistry.
Then comes “All This Time,” the third track, where the EP dips into a moment of solitude, encouraging us to embrace our own company. It’s an anthem of self-love—one that, while reflective, never feels sorrowful. The production here is notable, with the entire track performed live, capturing the beautiful imperfections that come with being human. Conor’s vocals are gently introspective as he sings about the courage it takes to be alone and the strength found in solitude. The track’s outro, an extended improvised guitar solo, is a stunning declaration of artistic freedom, where the duo fully leans into the chaos of emotion, letting the strings pound in wild abandon.
Next, “Only You” brings the mood back into more romantic territory. There’s a tenderness in the lyrics as the song explores the magic of finding someone who feels at home. The instrumentation here is more restrained, allowing the heartfelt words to shine through. Gabe’s soft guitar lines mesh seamlessly with the laid-back percussion, making it a serene but passionate love song—the kind you want to play on a quiet evening when you’re lost in someone’s presence. The song never rushes, instead letting the love it describes unfold gently and organically. I wish this song went on for longer, as I found myself settling into the rhythm and just enjoying the world it brought to me.
“The Spaceman” is where Trash Pals truly flex their experimental side. Written about feeling overstimulated and distracted, this track features a more fleshed-out production with layered percussion that mirrors the overwhelming energy of modern life. Conor’s vocals here are more urgent, with the lyrics touching on the anxiety that often comes with being plugged in too deeply to the digital chaos around us. The track moves forward with frenetic energy, and the layers of percussion give it a sense of intensity that contrasts sharply with the earlier tracks, making it feel like a release—a musical exhale after a breathless journey.
Finally, “Good Things” closes the EP with a sense of resolution. The track is warm and inviting, and its lyrics are optimistic, suggesting that despite the difficulties, there’s always room for hope and appreciation. The instrumentation feels expansive here, with light keyboard accents and warm bass tones creating a feeling of space. The harmonies between Conor and Gabe are particularly beautiful, their voices blending like two people who know each other so well they finish each other’s sentences. It’s a perfect ending, as though the EP is giving you one last, powerful hug before you step back into the world.
In conclusion, “Power Hug” is a beautiful expression of love in its purest forms. Trash Pals have created something truly special with this EP, and it’s a reminder of the power of friendship, music, and, above all, love. The production, while embracing imperfections, feels intentionally crafted to convey raw emotion and sincerity. Every track offers a different facet of love, from the quiet strength of self-love to the electrifying energy of romantic and platonic connections. As I listened, I couldn’t help but feel embraced by the warmth and authenticity of Trash Pals. It’s an EP that reminded me that love is cool, that we all deserve to be loved, and that sometimes, a good hug—musically or otherwise—is all we need to feel whole again.
Listen to the “Power Hug” EP on Spotify
You can follow Trash Pals here for more information.
