POP MUSIC REVIEW : MISSING ELEMENT MARS BANGLES’ HOMECOMING

The Bangles’ concert Saturday night at the Greek Theatre was every bit the engaging homecoming celebration that you’d expect of a Los Angeles rock band’s first local show since hitting the national Top 10.

On its feet much of the evening, the audience yelled out requests for favorite songs and danced along to the group’s lilting, infectious tunes, including the Top 10 single, “Manic Monday.”

Band members themselves beamed so broadly that you couldn’t help but share the excitement and pride of four musicians playing to an audience dotted with family and friends.

Still, a homecoming celebration isn’t the same as a graduation exercise for a young band. For all their charm and talent, the Bangles still fall short of being the compelling stage attraction that you’d expect after hearing a single with as much personality and punch as “Manic Monday” or after seeing a video with as much personality and presence as the “Manic Monday” clip.

Surprisingly, the missing live ingredient was, of all things, personality. The Bangles have the potential for an interesting stage presence. Lead guitarist Vicki Peterson moved about with enough energy to front a heavy-metal outfit. Rhythm guitarist Susanna Hoffs has an actress’ eyes and subtle mannerisms. Bassist Michael Steele suggests the quiet control of a Chrissie Hynde. Drummer Debbi Peterson has a likable, unpretentious manner.

But none of this potential added up in a way that expanded the charm and zest of the music. Vicki Peterson’s movements were too conventional. Hoffs’ mannerisms work well on a TV screen but didn’t connect beyond a few rows at the Greek. Steele didn’t assert herself enough. And you can’t depend on a drummer to be your frontwoman.

Since the group is still evolving, the Bangles have time to work on personality. The important thing is their musical credentials are in order. The band has the musicianship and vocal ability to update the simple, though delicate blend of ‘60s pop-rock elements at the heart of its sound: ringing guitars, tight, almost folk-based harmonies and innocent, endearing themes.

Besides coming up with a few winning songs of their own, band members have shown keen instincts for finding suitable material by other writers. “Manic Monday” is a terrific slice of start-of-the-workweek blues written by Prince. Hoffs sings the line about kissing Valentino by the crystal blue Italian stream with such wistful charm that you recall all the mornings you’ve awakened in the middle of romantic fantasy.

The Bangles have at least two other potential hits on its current “Different Light” album: Jules Shear’s “If She Knew What She Wants” and Alex Chilton’s “September Girls.”

The group is a legitimate addition to the L.A. female rock band tradition--a tradition that the Bangles saluted good-naturedly by playing a Runaways recording at the start of the show. The Bangles also will be at the Whisky on Wednesday.

The Hoodoo Gurus, an Australian band that opened for the Bangles, also deal a lot in ‘60s rock styles, but there is a recklessly eccentric edge to the Gurus that is wide enough to include everything from Neil Young and Lou Reed to the Cramps and Gary Glitter, but narrow enough to offer little that is convincingly original.