When three veteran musicians join forces, expectations can be high, particularly if said musicians are known for both celebrating and subverting pop music in their respective former projects.

Strangers In Daylight is one such local supergroup, and they’ve certainly met those expectations. Originally conceived by singer/guitarist Philip Palma (formerly of Ghost Shirt) as a space rock band a la early Pink Floyd, the trio settled into their identity as a sharply catchy garage punk machine. 

“We realized we were really good at writing pop songs,” Palma said. “Most of the songs are about girls, as a good pop song should be.”

Strangers reunites bassist Jamarr Mays and drummer Michael Murtha of the late post-rock outfit Pirate, and the two appear here as a towering rhythm section. Palma is an unapologetic anglophile whose touchstones span a jagged line connecting Pete Townshend, Joe Strummer and Noel Gallagher, to name a few. With a Mod sneer and a bloody guitar, he and his mates charge through the angular start-stop anthems they term “spy rock.”

“We were using that as a motive – a theme to write groovy songs to,” said Mays. “It took on a life of its own after that.”

The recently self-released EP single “Technical Blond” may as well be titled “Techniques of Bond,” as Palma’s lyrics channel Ian Fleming for a narration about the casualties of espionage. The track’s vintage production and sexy, serpentine arrangement enhance the secret agent feel, fitting for a band that cites classic cinema as an influence on par with gritty rock ’n’ roll.

Like any solid power trio, Strangers work sparseness to their advantage. Self-indulgent solos and unnecessary fills are nowhere to be found; instead the band relies on Krautrock syncopations and ringing guitar chords to make its point. Blasts of feedback noise and McCartney-esque hooks often inhabit the same song.

“I feel like being in a three-piece challenges people more, because there’s absolutely nowhere to hide,” Mays said. “You have to be creative.”

“I kept telling Jamarr, there are too many bands doing too many things,” Palma added. “While that’s good for a lot of stuff, it’s not really our style.”

“Tax Returns” plays as if Palma just discovered how loud his amp could be, and the a cappella pre-chorus on the doo-wop flavored “Werewolf Fortnight” is proof that this band is unafraid of raiding the pop cupboard for its own purposes.

How the trio operates musically is indicative of the bond between them as friends. They swap inside jokes, impersonations and movie quotes to such a degree that outsiders may get confused.

“It has a lot to do with the way we hang out with one another, our humor, the way we reference movies,” said Murtha. “It would have to be serendipitous in almost every aspect in order for us to get a fourth member.”

The three of them, however, are willing to try anything once.

“I really wouldn’t put anything past us,” said Palma. “We’ve been talking about wanting to doing a show in drag.”

“Like honest drag,” added Mays. “Not just dudes in dresses. Full tilt.”

Strangers in Daylight will be one of four bands performing at the (614) Magazine Live Music Showcase at Skully’s Music Diner (1151 N High St.) on August 5th. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds benefit the Dick and Jane Project. To download Strangers in Daylight’s free EP, visit www.strangersindaylight.bandcamp.com.