Song of the Day: Stag - She + Me

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is "She + Me" by Seattle band Stag from the 2014 Temporary Machines EP on Pop Maelstrom.

Stag - She + Me (MP3)

Power chords and sweetly melodic hooks are the bread and butter of the Seattle-based power pop mavens Stag. Singer Steve Mack, guitarists Ben London and Lincoln Barr, bassist Pete Everett, and drummer Rob Dent first came together in late 2010 over a shared love of '70s pop. Since their formation, the band have steadily gigged locally and released recordings, the most recent of which is 2014's Temporary Machines EP. The EP's opening track, "She + Me" is a vibrant cut of vintage power pop, complete with crunchy twin guitars and explosive "yeah, yeah, yeah"-style choruses. Lyrically playing off the titular pronouns, Mack's melodic vocals and (new member) John Randolf's and London's smashing, up-to-11 guitars trade off leading the band through three minutes of undeniable pop. Across the last few years, Stag have steadily honed their hyper-melodic craft, and "She + Me" continues their trend of writing songs that demand to be blasted at full volume.

Stag's next gig is at the Sunset Tavern on January 30th. Get tickets and more info on that 21+ show here, keep up with the band on their Facebook and website, and below, watch the band play "Sister Lee" live on KEXP in 2012.