On a vibrant evening in the heart of Plymouth, the air filled with anticipation, the stage was set to witness the much-awaited return of the legendary '90s rock band REEF. Hailing from the era that defined a generation, REEF's timeless music continues to resonate with fans old and new. As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted with fervor, it became evident that this night would be an unforgettable celebration of the band's iconic sound and undying spirit.
Prior to REEF taking to the stage, Bristol based MOTHER VULTURE excited the audience with their hectic blend of hardcore tinged alt-rock which saw 50% of the band members spending more time on the dancefloor than they did on the stage. Having seen them a number of times over the past few years, I was beaming from ear to ear as the set wore on as they really have carved a niche in the music world and there is NOBODY out there that even come close to matching them on their raw energy, power and melodic output.
Performing numbers from their debut album ‘Mother Knows Best’ which landed in November 2022, it was great to see the shock on people’s faces turn to sheer adoration as they strode through the evening. Come the end, there was a healthy throng bouncing along in the pit to the incessant din that they were kicking out.
Chatting to Chris and Matt after the show, we spoke about their desire to play more festivals and get their music out to more people, as it transpired, things have not picked up as fast as they would have hoped this year and I explained that it’s clear that the masses are simply not ready to witness a full on attack of the senses and that good things come to those who wait, believe me, their time will come and when it does, you’d better watch out!
After a short break to rebuild the stage and get things ready for the main act, the anticipation built in the venue, the upper balcony filled up, leaving me a nice spot behind the mixing desk which suite me just right!
From the first strum of the guitar to the pounding rhythm section, REEF unleashed a wave of energy that swept through the venue. The band's chemistry was palpable, with each member displaying an unwavering passion for their craft. Gary Stringer's commanding vocals soared effortlessly, capturing the essence of their anthems with both raw power and heartfelt emotion.
Reef's stage presence was magnetic. Guitarist Amy Newton, drummer Luke Bullen, bass man Jack Bessant and frontman Gary Stringer interacted seamlessly, feeding off each other's energy and radiating an infectious enthusiasm that infected the crowd. Stringer, always a true rock frontman, commanded the stage with his charismatic presence, engaging the audience in every song. Meanwhile, the rest of the band flawlessly complemented his performance, delivering tight and cohesive instrumentation that demonstrated their musical prowess.
REEF's setlist was a meticulously curated journey through their discography, transporting fans back to the halcyon days of the '90s to showcase early offerings from their debut album ‘Glow’. The band wasted no time, kicking off the night with their explosive hit, "Shoot Me Your Ace”, lifted from the album of the same name. The audience immediately erupted into a chorus of sing-alongs, reminiscent of the euphoric atmosphere that defined the band's earlier shows.
The band's performance of "Naked" showcased their ability to seamlessly transition from roaring rock anthems to more introspective ballads. The heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with the audience, evoking a collective nostalgia that washed over the venue.
A standout moment arrived during their performance of "Come Back Brighter," a beloved fan favorite. The crowd swayed and sang along, as the band's infectious energy reached its peak. It was a powerful testament to the enduring quality of REEF's music, with its ability to captivate and unite generations.
REEF's connection with their fans was undeniable throughout the evening. Gary Stringer frequently engaged with the crowd, encouraging sing-alongs and creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. There was an overwhelming sense of unity as the audience joined him in song, sharing in the band's passion and reliving the magic of their timeless tunes.
As the final chords reverberated through the venue, it was clear that REEF's live performance had successfully reignited the flame of '90s rock. The band's undeniable talent, unwavering energy, and genuine connection with the audience made for an extraordinary night. REEF's ability to transport fans to an era of youthful exuberance and unbridled emotion served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of their music.
Through their performance, REEF not only embraced their nostalgic roots but also breathed new life into their iconic sound which has seen them release material over the years. The band's timeless anthems resonated as strongly today as they did three decades ago, leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness their triumphant return. REEF proved once again that their music transcends time, capturing the hearts of both the loyal fans who have been with them since the beginning and a new generation hungry for the power of authentic rock 'n' roll.
Long live REEF!
