Reef seem somewhat energised by recent changes in lineup, and have arguably been throwing out some of the strongest material of their career in recent years. It might depend on your taste, but the AC/DC vibes of ‘Revelation’ and swagger of ‘Precious Metal’ certainly translate well live. New guitarist Amy Newton slots in well and adds lovely harmony vocals to the relaxed, almost countrified ‘Right On’. It’s great to see founder Jack Bessant back on stage after a worrying head injury that temporarily put him out of action; his rumbling bass and Luke Bullen’s drums giving real thunder to this faultless set.
Reef + When Rivers Meet - Dreamland Margate, Hall By the Sea 15th April 2023
Laura DQ • 18 April 2023
Live Review
Anyone who thinks they don’t like Reef, probably hasn’t seen the band live. Cast from your mind the image of these Glastonbury rockers as just another a Britpop group from the 90s and you’ll find ten times the band you remember, a surprisingly hard rocking, party starting proposition. There are no gimmicks, nothing flash; in fact, Reef look like they’ve just wandered in off the street. But opener ‘Shoot Me Your Ace’ quickly blasts away any reservations, a bulldozing, riff-tactic monster from the 2022 album of the same name. And then it’s straight into ‘Naked’, the irresistible groove getting everyone moving.
Gary Stringer is a truly underrated frontman who relishes getting up close and personal. The stage at this venue is at ground level so he spends most of his time up on the barriers, giving him a better view. He looks members of the audience straight in the eye, giving fist bumps and touching hands. And then there’s that voice; so distinctive, so full of gravel. Yes, he sounds laddish at times (just think of that shout-along chorus to ‘Higher Vibration’) but he’s also capable of tenderness, as evidenced by the ballad ‘Consideration’.
It’s perhaps a bold move sticking the encore worthy ‘Place Your Hands’ in the middle of the set and sends this sold out crowd wild, jumping, singing, hands aloft. But it’s a gamble that pays off and somehow, there’s no momentum lost after. Reef know they’ve got enough great songs to keep the energy high. Whether it’s the insistent ‘I Would Have Left You’, the antagonistic ‘Yer Old’ or the bounce of ‘Summer’s In Bloom’, the massive tunes just keep coming. It’s a triumphant performance; if the tour is hitting your town, don’t miss it.
Husband and wife duo When Rivers Meet open the show and, despite being marred by some technical difficulties including a malfunctioning drum and a broken guitar string, do a wonderful job of warming things up. Forced to adjust their planned set list, their smouldering blues benefits from memorable choruses and Grace Bond’s spectacular vocal acrobatics. Husband Aaron breaks out the cigar box guitar and slide for ‘Feel it in my Bones’, a soulful guitarist who also provides beautiful harmonies. If you like your blues with a contemporary twist, this might just be the band for you.