Vue - Babies Are for Petting EP

Just as The Strokes draw influence from the musical history of New York City, Vue are distinctive of the San Francisco sound - raunchier, grittier, more of a psychedelic sway than a drunken stupor. The five tracks on their Babies Are For Petting EP do nothing but maintain that notion. From the beginning chords of "Look Out For Traffic," it's easy to imagine barreling down a scenic California highway in a covertible, with the wind blowing through your hair; the music is, without a doubt, indicative of its origin. What's more, no matter if it's the loose, punk style of "Hey Hey Not In Here," the slow-build of "Find Your Home," or the bar brawl of "Babies Are For Petting," the music is always rooted in basic blues structures and chords. And with frontman Rex Shelverton cavorting his way through each track, aptly wailing away or caressing his words, it's clear Vue have it down to an art. It's no question they are a good band; with this being their fifth release, it's safe to assume they've found their sound. Let's just hope the major-label cronies don't affect them too much, and that they can keep our attention for the duration of a full-length. But, from the way it sounds, Vue could give a shit: "I know it won't last, but I don't care." [www.thevue.com]