Well, they look like rock stars.

I guess you kind of have to if Vegas is where you’re paying your dues.

Lips Like Morphine, with their St. Louis native bassist Dell Star, will make their first appearance here Saturday at the Library in Soulard. They’re on their first cross-country trek and, judging by their sound, they’ll likely play a bigger venue next time around.

Formed in 2007, the quintet merges the 1980s new wave of New Order with the electro dance rock of She Wants Revenge and Bloc Party. The hooks are plentiful and should draw the attention of alt rock radio if they play their cards right.

The formula is not unlike a band that Star helped form in Las Vegas early this decade - The Killers. Star left the band shortly after its formation.

“I helped form Reigning Heir in St. Louis and played guitar with them for a while before moving to Vegas,” said Star, a CBC grad. “Their guitar player Dave (Keuning) and I were roommates, but I just felt it wasn’t right for me at the time. I don’t have regrets, though. I’m still friends with those guys and talk to them all the time.”

Adding to the band’s musical pedigree, Charles (vocals) and Ahmad (drums) Earland are the sons of noted 1960’s jazz organist Charles “the Mighty Burner” Earland.

The band is touring in support of their first release, Sugarush (EP).

Lips Like Morphine with The Matter, Benjamin Del Shreve, Randall Shreve & The Feed
8 pm, The Library, 706 Lafayette Ave., Soulard, $6
http://www.myspace.com/thelipslikemorphine
http://www.thelibrarystl.com
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