REEF formed in 1993, signing to Sony S2 Records the following year.

Their debut 1995 album “Replenish” achieved Gold status, prior to which came the single "Naked" which was used in a TV advert for the Sony Minindisc. Spending much of 1994 on the road building up a fanbase, including a date at The Stage (later named Gonzo’s and Evolution) in Worcester, the band also supported The Rolling Stones, Paul Weller and Soundgarden, amongst others.  The follow up to “Replenish”, 1997's “Glow” stormed the UK Charts at Number 1 and included the single “Place Your Hands”. In 1999 the band released “Rides” followed by the poppier sounding “Getaway” in 2000 which was most notable for the single “Set The Record Straight”.  The band made many high profile appearances during this period, including Glastonbury and Reading festivals.

“Together: The Best of Reef” was released in 2003. It was around then that the band decided to take an extended break. They have been working on several projects in the interim including drummer Dominic Greensmith playing with Mick Jones (The Clash) and Tony James (Gen X) in Carbon/Silicon and frontman Gary Stringer and bassist Jack Bessant forming Them Is Me.

To date, Reef reformed earlier this year, and after a run of shows and some select festival appearances, including the storming home-coming frenzy on the Saturday afternoon at Glastonbury, the West Country's favourite decided it was too much fun not to do it all over again.

The Wulfrun Hall is near capacity tonight and gives a rousing reception as Reef take to the stage. Bursting straight into “I Would Have Left You”, “Good Feeling” and “Stone For Your Love”, one immediately realises what we may have missed in the last seven years.

It’s like they’ve never been away. “Come Back Brighter”, “Weird”, “Mellow” and “Consideration” are all delivered with the precise, bluesy, groove-ability that make Reef as cool as they ever were. Gary Stringer has maintained his unique, gravel-laden vocal, and many ladies will be pleased to learn he has not aged in the slightest.

Party and compilation favourite “Place Your Hands” appears mid-set with a mass singalong, during which I’m sure that I can’t be the only person thinking of the parody “It’s Your Letters” from Chris Evans TFI Friday show. Not that anyone would sing this and insult the song's integrity.

Crowd interaction is kept to a minimum, aside from a few thank you’s, they allow the music and performance do the talking. Jack Bessant, the giant, bearded bassist, stomps around with authority, whilst guitarist Kenwyn House and Gary Stringer are individually absorbed in the groove.

Amongst others come “Summer’s In Bloom”, “Naked”, “Set The Record Straight”, “Lately Stomping” and “Choose To Live”. Tracks that are 10-15 years old, none of which sound dated and all of which justify Reef's continued existence.

The encore consists of the superbly simple and uplifting: “I’ve Got Something To Say”, “Waster”, “Yer Old” and “End”. And at the end, as the giant illuminated “Reef” backdrop fades to black, I realise how much I’d like to witness that show again. Let’s hope they give me the opportunity to do so.

Review & Photography: Steve Johnston