For the first time in recent memory, a new British band has come along that has something good to say about America.
"Oh, we love it here," said singer Amanda Rootes of London-based Fluffy. "It's so interesting. Every city is so different from England. It's all like a movie. And the food's so good, too."Makes quite a difference from the grumbling one hears from across the pond just prior to a U.S. tour by Elastica, Blur, Oasis, Supergrass or Suede.
The punk-inspired Fluffy - Bridget Jones (guitar), Helen Storer (bass), Angie Adams (drums) and Rootes - was formed two years ago. The high-energy quartet, which makes a noise that's anything but fluffy, has just released a maxi-single, "Husband" (Tim/Kerr Records).
The band is the first signing of Enclave, a new label set up by Tom Zutaut, the ex-Geffen talent scout who signed Guns 'N' Roses and the Stone Roses.
"All the music we like is American," Rootes, 21, said from San Francisco. "We're really into New York punk. A lot of the English record companies seem not to think America is that important. They're into that jangly guitar nonsense."
For Rootes, another refreshing aspect of Fluffy's visit is the lack of fuss made of gender.
"It doesn't seem like such a big deal here that we're women musicians," she said. "We've already met two girl drummers. In England, they make such a fuss out of it. Another thing, somebody walked up to me the other day and said they really liked my lyrics. That would never happen at home."
After its current tour, Fluffy returns to London to record with Sex Pistols producer Bill Price. The album is expected in late summer.
"The first year, we were just playing in our living room," Rootes recalled. "A lot of our friends can't really believe what we've accomplished in two years. They're still sitting at home playing their guitar in the living room and we're in San Francisco."