Timeless Tunes: The Fluffy Jackets Unveils Debut EP: 16 Years in the Making
(London/UK, Bergen/ Norway, 1 Nov. 2023) - In a move that bridges the past with the present, The Fluffy Jackets are set to surprise music fans with the release of their recently rediscovered debut EP, featuring a special guest appearance by Neil Murray, known for his work with Black Sabbath and Whitesnake. Their first recording, originally committed to tape in 2007, has been meticulously re-mastered and is poised to captivate a new generation of listeners in 2023.
The Fluffy Jackets (L-R) Ian Robinson (drums), Helge Rognstad (guitars, vocals), Neil Murray (bass).
A Journey Through Time The debut EP from The Fluffy Jackets is a testament to the enduring power of music. Over a decade ago, The Fluffy Jackets laid down these three songs which never saw the light of day due to different circumstances. Now, in an exciting twist of fate, the tracks are ready to emerge from the vault, captivating audiences with a timeless sound.
Analogue sounds captured at the Cowshed Studio, London, UK
The first Fluffy Jackets session was recorded at the Cowshed Studio using an old Otari MX80 2" analogue 24-track reel-to-reel tape machine.
Incredibly, the three songs were recorded and mixed in one single day, on Sunday the 3rd of June 2007; so what you hear is basically a live band in full flow, albeit in a professional studio environment benefiting from good microphone placement and organic analogue quality.
The recording session was expertly overseen by engineer Teo Miller, contracted via Steven Budd Management.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation The Fluffy Jackets' vocalist and guitarist Helge Rognstad comments; "By finding these tapes, we've unearthed a musical time capsule, a testament to the raw energy and passion that defined us as a band 16 years ago. Since all tracks were recorded and mixed in one single day, we did not have time to do much overdubs or fixing issues. So, listening to these recordings now is like stepping into a time machine, capturing the essence of who we were at that moment. It's a gift to our fans to let them take this journey back to where it all began."
Re-mastered by Turan Audio, Oxford UK
The EP has has been lovingly remastered to harness the full potential of modern audio technology while preserving the raw energy and essence of the analogue sound. The remastering process has painstakingly preserved each track, as the re-mastered versions have been enhanced for the digital age.
Tim Turan, mastering engineer explains: "It is the sound quality and subtle imperfections of the analogue tape that lends these recordings their distinct character. It was important for me to preserve that particular sonic signature, but at the same time provide a full sound experience that resonates with listeners today".
The result is a seamless blend of nostalgia and contemporary artistry.
A Glimpse into the Band's Evolution The EP not only showcases The Fluffy Jackets' artistic sensibilities from their early days but also serves as a fascinating precursor to their subsequent musical evolution. The first two tracks in particular hints at the future, offering fans a unique insight into the band's creative journey.
A Nod to Nazareth In a fitting tribute to their classic rock roots, The Fluffy Jackets pays homage to the legendary band Nazareth, including a stunning version of "Whiskey Drinkin' Woman". The cover holds special poignancy in retrospect, as the producer and collaborator on The Fluffy Jackets' later output was none other than Manny Charlton, the late Nazareth guitarist who sadly passed away in 2022. This EP is therefore a testament to the enduring impact he had on the band, even from their earliest inception.
"We wanted to give our fans something special," said Helge Rognstad, vocalist with The Fluffy Jackets. "This remastered EP is our chance to pay homage to the music that has meant so much to us and our fans over the years."
Ian Robinson, original drummer and founding member with The Fluffy Jackets: "I am immensely proud of this release and it's genuinely thrilling to be able to present it for the very first time. The remastering process has breathed fresh life into the tracks, and I can't wait for our friends and fans to hear it in all its glory. It is a testament to the timeless power of music."
PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED PHOTOS Along with the release of their 2007 EP, The Fluffy Jackets are also publishing associated Press photos for the first time. These photographs were taken on the 5th of June 2007 by noted photographer James Cumpsty.
Click the thumbnail images below for High-Resolution images, suitable for print purposes. All images on this page can be freely used for all purposes if the image credit is used: "images courtesy of The Fluffy Jackets". Suggested captions are provided underneath each photo below:
Exclusive Premiere: The Fluffy Jackets Unveil New Music Video To celebrate this release, The Fluffy Jackets are unveiling a brand new music video for the lead track "Salty Salty" from this first EP. This exclusive footage, shot a decade after the original recording session at The Cowshed, features the band's original lineup: Helge Rognstad on guitars/vocals, Ian Robinson on drums, and Jerry Bessent on bass. Offering a rare glimpse into the recording process, the video presents never-before-seen content, providing fans with a unique behind-the-scenes look at the EP's creation. The premiere is set for December 1st, 2023, on The Fluffy Jackets' YouTube channel, where fans are encouraged to subscribe for the latest updates.
The Fluffy Jackets featuring special guest Neil Murray (2007 EP): Available Now: The Fluffy Jackets featuring special guest Neil Murray is available now on all major streaming platforms.
About The Fluffy Jackets The Fluffy Jackets are energetic blues rockers who deliver a sound that draws from the early days of blues, Americana and classic bands like Bad Company. Formed in 2006, they issued their debut album Fighting Demons in 2014, an outing that was recorded at the legendary Sun Studio. Their sophomore album, "Something from Nothing" from 2019, is notable for featuring the original Nazareth gutiarist Manny Charlton.