Reef at The Assembly, Thurs 8th Dec 2016
(Continued from "Desert Mountain Tribe at The Assembly, 8/12/2016".)
OK, who remembers Reef appearing on TFI back in the mid 90’s? I do. I also remember being completely blown away by them. Well, I reckon they're back, with a sound that's even bigger and better than back then!
The performance started with a thumping solo bass drum beat. The audience, now filling the room, were right on the ball, "one… two… one, two, three, four", then boom, as Jack’s bass signified lift-off! As you would imagine from a Reef gig, there was plenty of energy in the performance, in every sense the word. It wasn’t long before Gary and Jack threw off their heavy checked outer flannel shirts as they strutted around taking command of the stage, Gary belting out the vocals one number after another, his voice not faltering once! The first four songs saw the energy levels build, and then drop briefly while they gave us "Consideration". This song starts gently and builds - the audience ultimately providing backing vocals, "... it’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright ..." led by the ladies on the front barrier immediately in front of the band with their arms raised in the direction of the band, providing the inspiration for Gary to effortlessly reach the high falsetto that the song finishes with. This is what live music is all about! The crowd enjoyed the moment too and gave the band an extended applause more fitting for the final song, not the fifth one in! The band were obviously touched too as Gary came to the mic to thank the crowd, followed by Jesse announcing, "You guys can f***ing sing can’t you! You’re the best yet!". Another 14 or 15 songs were still to come, including my personal favourites, "How I got Over" (their version of a classic gospel song), "Summer's in Bloom", "Yer Old", plus a few new songs that will appear on the new album (promised for release early next year), and, believe it or not, "Paint It Black", at which point I had a quick scan of the audience to see if Jesse's old-man was in the audience. I think he missed a top night, top bands, a top venue, but most of all, a top audience! Nice one Leamington!
(You can read more about Reef and their tour here: http://www.hotmusiclive.co.uk/article?article=1307 )
