Wednesday 21st April 2010 @ Academy, Bristol
With Support From: Matthew P

It’s been nearly six years since our very own Reef have toured together. Some of the band formed the group Them Is Me and some went onto other projects entirely but it seems that with a slew of 90s bands reforming for a much needed comeback, Reef were no exception…and it seems long overdue.

The tour support came in the form of Matthew P, a solo singer/songwriter from Suffolk. Although he was very talented at good at what he did, it just seemed like his music was a bit too syrupy and similar to Jason Mraz and Daniel Powter for my liking. Also, his music seemed a bit at odds with Reef’s but the crowd seemed to respond well to his set by the end of it.

Soon after Matthew P left the stage, the Reef banner was revealed and all of a sudden it seemed the whole of Bristol was cramming into the pit in front of the stage! This gig was packed with the happiest and nicest fans I have come across in a long time. When the band took to the stage to the gloriously anthemic Come Back Brighter, the crowd erupted! Suddenly it seemed like Reef had never been away and that they were still as important to the UK’s music scene as they ever were. This band has a unique sound that has never been recreated. Gary Stringer’s unmistakable vocals soared over addictive riffs and drum breaks.

Every word of every song was sung back to them by every member of the audience. Beaming smiles were on every face on stage and off and for most at the Academy, the two hour set was not nearly enough. They ploughed through all of their hits and slammed Place Your Hands right in the middle of the set which naturally sent everyone wild. The band seemed so happy to be back and so appreciative of the support they were getting. This tour was pretty much a greatest hits show but was greeted as more like a welcome back tour from the reaction. With no news of new material from the band as yet, it is just good to have such a solid and fun British rock band back and hopefully here to stay!

www.thereefweb.co.uk

Stu Freeman