STAG
Photo Credits: Greg Reid
“The second EP from this band comprised of longtime Seattle musicians is another well-crafted set of crunchy power reminiscent of The Who and Cheap Trick.”– Don Yates, KEXP Music Director
“One of my fav bands to work with in the studio EVER. There is no weak link in this band” - Jack Endino, Producer
On their first full-length, Seattle’s Stag present songs that are universally appealing and deceptively sunny featuring dark lyrics delivered with exhilarating guitars and pretty pop melodies that hook the imagination whether a listener is looking back or charging forward through life. Charles Cross described them thusly, “It is music that makes an experienced listener feel young, or a young listener feel understood, which is exactly why it seems so true to the essence of what great rock ‘n’ roll is always about — possibility and yearning.” With an arsenal of musical weapons, the band switches gears from crunchy rock n’ roll to breezy pop tunes to punk-tinged rock n’ roll with clear-eyed honesty and a charming lack of angst.
Stag recorded with the legendary Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Hot Hot Heat, Mark Lanegan) and with Johnny Sangster (Mudhoney, The Posies, Supersuckers) for this set – it contains previously released songs on their now out of print EPs as well as new material. The results are tunes that sit easily next to the best work of Cheap Trick, Big Star, Redd Kross and Guided By Voices. “These Times” describes the world of the passively oblivious, exhorting listeners to clear their minds and take action, whereas songs like “Sister Lee” and “To Be Young” are paens to reckless, restless youth. “Love Her Records” namechecks beloved labels like SST and Dischord with crunchy guitars and a perfect power pop hook. “Don’t Lead With Your Heart” is a sweetly melodic song of heartbreak.
Singer Steve Mack was also the lead vocalist of That Petrol Emotion, a highly praised UK band from the 80s and 90s who were a huge influence on bands like the Stone Roses, Radiohead and the Happy Mondays. Ben London played guitar and sang with Alcohol Funnycar, Sanford Arms, and Burning Rivers, and does the same in Stag, in addition to writing all the songs. Bass player Pete Everett played with Tuffy before joining Seattle’s the Mellors. Drummer Rob Dent has played with Jackie on Acid, Kingsly, and Sanford Arms. Guitarist Lincoln Barr is the singer/songwriter behind Red Jacket Mine.
Over the years, the band has played high profile shows with national touring acts as well as building a large local audience, received regular airplay from freeform giant KEXP, rocked SXSW and gained the respect and love of their community. They released a mind-bogglingly cool video for “Don’t Lead with Your Heart” that featured fellow Seattle musicians/madmen John Roderick (The Long Winters) and Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks, The Young Fresh Fellows). The video brilliantly illustrated Stag’s trademark dark humor.
Check out the current 7" single from Fin and Stag, available now online and in independent Seattle and Portland record stores. Look out for the full length, Chameleon, out soon!
STAG RELEASES
FIN-LE7-004
Don't Lead With Your Heart / Ides of March [7" Vinyl]
Available Now!
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