POP MUSIC REVIEWS : Fibbers, Face Add Kicks to Rock Benefit

L.A.’s own bohemian band Geraldine Fibbers delivered one of the strongest sets Saturday at the Hollywood Palladium, even though the quintet was one of the lesser-known acts in a bill that included the ‘90s progressive rock of Primus and Fishbone and mediocre pop of Possum Dixon.

The Fibbers and punk rockers Face to Face added soul and kick to the otherwise bleak lineup at the Rock for Choice benefit.

Although most of the crowd was still filing in while the Fibbers played scrappy and sad country tunes, the band still managed to catch the attention of audience members who probably were experiencing them for the first time.

The Fibbers, headed by former Ethyl Meatplow singer Carla Bozulich, played a few slow and lulling tunes, then picked up the pace by cranking out faster tunes. The brisk numbers sometimes overpowered the delicacy of the Fibbers’ sound (basically Bozulich’s sultry and emotive voice against the whine of the violin and upright bass), but the set was vindicated by the simpler, soulful numbers.

Face to Face, the newest viable commodity in the consumer-friendly return of punk, delivered an energized and tight set. The band, with its tattooed and buzz-cut look, was anthemic, adrenalized and fun. Who needs originality when there’s slamming to be done?