Reef - Review

Legendary 90s heavy indie rock band Reef, more than a minidisc advert, Reef has been one of the biggest musical influences and felt honored to cover a band that I have enjoyed listening to for many years, for the first time in a while, I was a little nervous covering this gig, after all, it was REEF!

It was great to see just how happy they all were as they came on stage, this late in the tour, but there were smiles all around and the crowd was chanting Reef Reef Reef as they anticipated the first note! 

They went straight into their latest single, Shoot Me Your Ace, the packed room roared with excitement as they blasted through Stone for your love and Naked. 

Being in the pit during the first three songs the hairs on my neck stood on end and the gig progressed, having not seen Reef play in many many years, it was great to see them up on stage having a great time. The new lineup includes Jesse James Wood on Guitar, Luke Bullen on drums, Amy Newton on guitar too, the brilliant bass wielding Jack Bessent, and the stand-out voice of Gary Stringer. 

With the new album being released the next day, it was no wonder they were happy to be there. they played a mix of their classics, transporting me and many of the crowd back to a time when life was a lot easier. 

The crowd lapped up every song old and new, how Gary's voice had stayed so strong and clear is beyond me, the whole band looked like they were on cloud 9, Amy Newton and Jack Bessent had great chemistry on stage, you could see they were enjoying themselves on stage, it was a shame that Jesse, was so far in the other corner, but, he made up for it with his superb playing! 

I left the show with a big grin, it was great to see such an iconic band doing what they do best, and doing it expertly well! Finishing the show with the very apt, Yer old, I felt it the next few days,s, but during the gig, I was young again! 

As a photographer, this was one of my top shows to cover, as a fan, they didn't disappoint, and I am looking forward to catching them again at one of their shows. Due to my condition, it's not often I can last an entire show, but the pain the next day was worth it. 

For the next few days, their song Come Back Brighter hit home, I have been down, but with a new sense of determination, I have come back brighter! 

Words, by Xavier Clarke.