Reef
...an absolute joy to rock out to new album tracks- they were raw, heavy and full of life (I particularly liked “Best of Me” and Wolfman) and perfectly interspersed between their well-loved classics.
Last night (30th April) I was transported back in time to my happiest of teenaged years; singing my little heart out in a crowd of adoring die-hard Reef fans with one of my oldest and dearest high school mates (who just so happens to be Gary Stringer’s biggest fan!).
The band’s calibre of performance hadn’t altered in the slightest since their heyday. Stringer’s unique vocals remained visceral and seductive as ever, Bessant’s basslines were fat, Wood’s guitar solos evoked a rampage in the circle pit and the whole thing was kept fantastically tight with solid drumming from Greensmith. Big shout out to the additional female guitarist who also provided fantastic supporting vocals- a perfect complement to the original line-up.
There is always the risk when you revisit a band from years ago who you used to love, that the new material just won’t match up to the golden oldies you’ve listen to on repeat for years. However, I am so thrilled to report that it was an absolute joy to rock out to new album tracks- they were raw, heavy and full of life (I particularly liked “Best of Me” and Wolfman) and perfectly interspersed between their well-loved classics.
Reef are just pure joy, glory and positive energy on stage. I don’t think Gary stopped beaming the for the entire set as he performed his trademark sexy wiggle, tambourine in hand interacting with the crowd; making everyone feel as if they were part of something really special. You could tell that these guys really do LOVE what they do and their modesty and gratitude to their long serving fan base was really apparent. The crowd was so engaged from start to finish; wide eyed, singing, dancing, clapping -moshing even- for Christ sake- it was wild! You won’t be surprised to hear that everyone went mad for “Place your Hands”, “Summer’s in Bloom” and (my personal favourite) “Consideration” but we were also treated to a super cool Reef-esq remix of the Fleetwood Mac Classic “The Chain” as their set was drawing to a close. As I left, I felt such a buzz- a Saturday night with a perfect hit of happy nostalgia which was so well received by everyone present.
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