REVIEW: Power Snatch - EP2

Another surprise EP drop was an incredible way to celebrate the Celestial events of 2026. POWER SNATCH, formed by Hayley Williams and Daniel James, have a short history of releasing surprise music as they create freely. EP1 was an experimental release with the curated atmosphere of a late night fever dream. Featuring three tracks, POWER SNATCH fans have received a taste of the duo’s artistic spirit.

With a blog post on Substack, HAYLEY WILLIAMS reiterates her want to give away music. EP 2 was dropped with the awe of natural occurrences. Accompanying the four tracks are lyric sheets saved in a notes app, alongside a YouTube visual link. Taking inspiration from 90s alternative rock and trip-hop, Williams and James have curated a piece that leaves fans wanting more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA5ls_A4iW8

MACHETE opens with clean pianos that launch into a hip-pop break beat. Navigating a journey through the woods, the narrator is haunted by not returning with a certain person. With previous Substack posts describing the perspective that life is circular, the lyrics “path caved like a circle” emphasises already exploring a particular area within the woods. The glistening keys form a magical feel to the track. A presence is never forgotten with the imagery of mockingbirds haunting the narrator. The bridge is formed of muted strums with the repetition of “I am not lost”. Finishing the track, Williams harmonises with the keys creating an ethereal touch.

The trip-hop feel is carried into NEW LEGS. Muted vocals create a ghostly atmosphere which correlates with themes of trying to fit into old versions of yourself. The repetition of “it’s not the same. Without the pain” could refer to Williams' solo track Good Ol’ Days where she emphasises that the pain of the past was part of the experience. There is no need to heal from this pain any more but to move forward. The layered vocals when singing “new legs” represent the multitude of lives lived to get to this very point.

BORN DEAD takes on alternative indie inspirations. Taking religious inspiration and imagery of a church marquee sign, this track focuses on the high standards that the public holds Williams to. There is a longing to start over again from the negative effects of being in the public eye. The mellow guitar melodies paired with a steady drum pattern highlights how repetitive the cycle appears as past effects are engrained into the person you have become. 

EP 2 closes with HELL IS A HALLWAY which takes elements of all these other tracks. The imagery of a hallway portrays the never ending state of limbo and transition. Previous themes of comfort within pain is paired with the moody atmosphere of the track. The distorted bass allows Williams vocals to effortlessly flow. This is a track that could be seen played in the Bronze, a soft yet heavy ending to the EP.

Some may compare EP2 to Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, featuring sister tracks, as the tracks are connected through similar themes and a unified sound. Seeing both Hayley Williams and Daniel James experiment with their music style, POWER SNATCH proves there are no limits to making music. After listening to this EP, fans sure to be eager for a full length album.

Score: 7/10

EP2 was released on 12th August 2026.

Words: Theviya R Karunaharan Photos: Zachary Gray