Sometimes a band can be too far ahead of its time for its own good. In the late 1980s, Minneapolis trio Babes in Toyland helped to invent what’s now known as grunge, with Kat Bjelland’s poison-dipped lyrics working as a shockingly caustic antidote to the macho, hair-metal mindset of the era. Bjelland’s combination of thunderous riffs, baleful attitude and baby-doll dresses was a major musical and fashion influence on Hole, who went on to greater mainstream success with a watered-down approximation of such Babes in Toyland classics as “Bruise Violet.” Although Bjelland and drummer Lori Barbero kept BIT going until 2001, they lost much of their momentum when bassist Maureen Herman departed the band in 1996. Newly reunited with Herman, Babes in Toyland have so far booked only a couple shows in the United States. Also at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown, Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Thu., Feb. 12, 8:30 p.m., 2015
(Expired: 02/12/15)

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