BANGLES, FANS HAVE A BANG-UP TIME

It was a safe though not overly sane Fourth of July as the Bangles set off some winsome pop pyrotechnics Saturday at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Good thing, too, because the real fireworks scheduled for after the show were canceled because of permit problems.

But this was a minor minus, as the Bangles were an ideal holiday attraction: not too complex or challenging, but enormously engaging and buoyant. The crowd responded with its own group vocals and all the sock-hop abandon the ushers would allow.

Another thing that stood out Saturday was that the L.A. girl-group has closed the once considerable gap between its abundance of vocal strength and its shortage of instrumental prowess. Crucially, the rhythm section has become rock-solid, emerging as the strongest part of the Bangles’ instrumental attack. Drummer Debbi Peterson continually pounded out steady, crisp beats, locking in tightly to the rumble of Michael Steele’s precise, bouncy bass lines.

As a lead guitarist, Vicki Peterson still boasts more spirit than skill--but enthusiasm goes a long way in this outfit. Having some of the loveliest vocal harmonies in pop music doesn’t hurt either. The Bangles are scheduled to wrap up a two-night Greek Theatre engagement tonight.