The Zags are a prime example of the kind of devotees that worship at the feet of the perfect pop song. It's not surprising that the band, hailing fro Portland, has received so many comparisons to Squeeze, though they've only been around for a little over a year. In that time, they've released several singles, which have just been assembled into their debut EP, Small Bags. Every song is a triumph of economy, packing punch and beautiful harmonies into rarely more than 2-and-a-half minutes.

Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on The Zags in the Music and Culture section.

THE ZAGS, w/ Full Moon Radio, the Falsies, 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, 4th Ave Tavern, 210 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, $5, 360.786.1444