Austinist Show Preview: The Bangles @ La Zona Rosa

Known primarily for their mildly ethnocentric, dance-craze spawning uber-hit "Walk Like an Egyptian," The Bangles were - and are - a surprisingly resilient and productive group. Around 1983, they seductively crawled on all fours out from under the soiled bed-sheets of L.A.'s Paisley Underground scene to lambaste the world with a series of massive hits that included "Manic Monday," "Eternal Flame," and the aforementioned song about a certain North African country's gait. Differentiating themselves from simultaneously famous groups with all-female rosters (ahem, The Go Go's), their sound seemed more difficult to pin down, as their hits attest. As confident pulling off emotionally front loaded ballads as they were rattling out straightforward pop-rock between pursed lips, The Bangles maintained their voice and achieved formidable success, launching "lead singer" Suzanna Hoff's semi-successful solo career and paving the way for well-received future reunions. Since then, the world has sat, captivated by their ageless feral charm, competent songwriting, and once-provocative clothing decisions. Coupled with their friendship to Spock, they have locked in our respect; so tomorrow's show at La Zona Rosa should be fabulous. Perennially bombastic and entertaining local popsters Tammany Hall Machine open.

[Bangles Official][Myspace]
[Tammany Hall Machine Official][Myspace]