Still in harmony, witty and winsome Bangles blast back to the '80s

May 29, 2009|Sarah Rodman, Globe Staff

At the House of Blues Wednesday night Bangles singer-guitarist Susanna Hoffs made a confession that was hard to believe. "I qualify for AARP," the petite and ageless Hoffs sweetly told the crowd after goofing up some background vocals during a "senior moment."

Based on the lively 90-minute display that she and her equally vital bandmates - singer-guitarist Vicki Peterson and singer-drummer Debbi Peterson - put on, there's nothing retiring about the Bangles.

The harmonious pop group ran through all of its big '80s hits - from the irresistible treacle of "Eternal Flame" to the smiley psychedelia of "Manic Monday" - and many of its best album cuts in a show that was always musically impeccable but inconsistent energy-wise.

A slamming take on "A Hazy Shade of Winter" kicked things off with a nice bite. Vicki Peterson's defiant declaration of independence, "Single by Choice," made a strong case for the group's last album, 2003's overlooked "Doll Revolution." "In Your Room" retained its wriggly, jangly charms. And the lilting "Going Down to Liverpool" offered Debbi Peterson one of several chances to get out from behind her kit and take to the microphone. Another was tongue-twisting monster hit "Walk Like an Egyptian," to which the small, reserved crowd sang along.

The show's low ebbs were partially due to the naturally deflating effects of a band playing to a half-empty hall. Former bassist Michael Steele's harmony voice was also missed. And early on the three male auxiliary musicians felt more like satellites orbiting a sun than fully integrated band members.

The group vibe jelled as the night went on, however, as the musicians loosened up and the ladies reminisced about their inspirations. They paid tribute to some of them with their winsome versions of songs like Jules Shear's "If She Knew What She Wants" and a revved-up take on the Seeds' "Pushin' Too Hard," which ended the night with a satisfying bang.

Juliana Hatfield's opening set - with help from members of the Everyday Visuals - wasn't her most dynamic, but her melodies, guitar playing, and onstage charm were typically winning.

Sarah Rodman can be reached at srodman@globe.com.