Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Trash Pals – Sonya (2024)

The brainchild of multi-instrumentalists and singer-songwriters Conor Rayne (guitar, bass, drums and vocals) and Gabriel Schnider (guitar, keyboard and vocals), Trash Pals was initially conceived when the lads met at jazz camp – both feeling the harshness of homesickness. Since that fateful day, the pair have performed in various bands together, toured extensively and reached audiences far beyond their US borders; they reached our ears earlier this year with the single ‘Perfect Dreams’. Come with us as we delve once again into Trash Pals’ intriguing discography.

In 2023, Trash Pals released their EP Love Object which presented them as a strong indie-rock meets grunge group; however, 2024 began with an evolution in their sound. Following the well-received indie-pop single ‘Perfect Dreams’, Rayne and Schnider continue experimenting with melodies in the new single ‘Sonya’. Using their innate ability to connect with people in an intimate, engaging manner, Trash Pals puts profound messages in moving melodies – the theme of acceptance being a core concept.

Finding the line between pop-rock and indie-pop, Trash Pals teeters on the edge with a sound that is hard-hitting and blunt but has a soothing flow clinging to the tune. Elegantly produced with a harmonic blend of guitars, drums and keyboard, ‘Sonya’ is a luxurious caress across your face; however, a vulnerable intimacy lingers through the charm making the track both fragile and empowering.

As the band continues to hone their sound, they experiment with songwriting basing ‘Sonya’ on a clear narrative. Trash Pals explains:

“’Sonya’ tells the story of a young woman who falls asleep in her seat at a concert despite spending a hefty amount on her ticket. With her head on the shoulder of the stronger next to her, takes in the music… and wakes to the thunderous applause at the end of the performance… The distance between Sonya and the music she is listening to remains ambiguous, but one thing is clear: this is, for her, the way she is processing something and the best way for her to do so, even if from the outside it may seem hard to understand…”

Sincere, introspective, honest and genuine, Trash Pals explore self-reflection and growth in their ode to acceptance, ‘Sonya’.


Find out more about Trash Pals on their Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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