In the age-old tradition of commercial interests strangling the life out of art,
the Geraldine Fibbers' former label, Virgin, asked singer
Carla Bozulich to dump her band and record a solo album because they weren't moving enough units, even though the Fibbers' second album, Butch, was praised by practically every critic. The Fibbers temporarily (perhaps permanently) disbanded after that awful experience, and Bozulich and boyfriend/guitarist
Nels Cline began performing as
Scarnella, which leans more toward the improvisational feedback clamor that Cline is known for. There are a few clunkers on their self-titled record, notably "A Millennium Fever Ballad," but the improv stuff is mostly captivating, and on "The Most Useless Thing" and "Dandelions," Bozulich's deep, fulminating voice and passionate lyrics are perfectly complimented by Cline's myriad of guitar sounds. Even though it does not lack for engaging twists and turns, this record is quite a departure from the Fibbers' avant-country sound, and not all of the Fibbers' fans will dig it. ~ Adam Bregman