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Issue date: 8/24/06 Section: Entertainment

Take one of the most hit-making '80s alternative bands, The Bangles. Then picture them with jet-black hair, bright red lipstick and a monochromatic black wardrobe. Then trade the light guitar and Egyptian lyrics for some heavy power chords and a reckless abandon toward being "nice." Now throw in a drummer who "doesn't let the girls dominate him" and a major dose of tour ethic and you've got the fledgling Los Angeles quartet, The Randies.

And though many are dubbing The Randies as a hot "chick-dominant band" or "all-girl punk outfit," the band cannot to agree.

"We don't like to think of ourselves as a 'chick-dominant' band; just a band," said bassist/vocalist Sienna. "We do hope that in the near future, great musicianship will stop being considered a novelty when it is demonstrated by females."

Cutting two and a half months out of their summer, The Randies opted to demonstrate their musicianship at the Vans Warped Tour.

"The Warped Tour was the hottest, dirtiest, most physically challenging and most sleepless three weeks of our lives," Sienna said. "It was also the most exciting, and musically gratifying three weeks of our lives."

Just as the sacrifices of Warped Tour ended with a payoff, such has been the path of the band's career. The Randies came to life at "L.A.'s seediest venue," Mr. T's Bowl.

Both playing in other bands, Sienna and now guitarist/vocalist Laura met while Sienna was wallowing in recovery from a bad break-up. Laura invited the depressed Sienna to form a band after witnessing her drunken drink throwing at Mr. T's. After a few years of playing with revolving band members, the two finally hooked-up with "dream band mates" Laurita (guitar/vocals) and Aaron (drums).

The foursome has since been playing gigs, tearing up tours (such as Warped Tour and Coachella) and as of late, preparing to release their second full-length album titled "Saw the Light" on Aug. 29.

"Saw the Light," which the band wrote in one month, holds a bold yet fluid feel from combining "heavy guitar driver rock" with "catchy melodies and lots of harmonies." The album also comes with a type of guarantee, as Sienna noted that other artists have complimented The Randies on their musicianship.

As for The Randies' onstage efforts, a crowd might catch the band members in accidental acts that would make anyone feel squeamish. On one particular night, as Laura attempted a deep rock squat, her heeled shoes took their revenge. The heels tipped her off balance and sent her sprawling backward into the amp.

Continued...

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