Reef – Replenish 30th Anniversary Tour

Reef stopped off in Southampton at The 1865 on their 30th Anniversary Tour of the album Replenish, yes 30 years ago. 

An English rock band, sometimes called at the time surf rock, originally from Glastonbury with founder members Gary Stringer on vocals and Jack Bessant on bass, now with Amy Newton on guitar and Luke Bullen on drums. Original members, drummer Dominic Greensmith and guitarist Kenwyn House not forgotten and given a shout out on the tour.

Possibly a little known fact the first track off the album ‘Feed Me’ featured and one of the best snowboarding video out at the time called Odd Man Out, fantastic soundtrack if you find it.

I first saw Reef at No Worries Beetle Bash in July 95 at Avon Park Raceway alongside ‘Collapsed Lung’ and the ‘Prodigy’. They played a couple of times supporting Surfers Against Sewage at my local, The Pirate in Falmouth when I was living down there, fantastic intimate gigs, if a little hazy for memories. Since then I’ve hit pretty much every time they pass through, plus a visit to Petruth Paddocks in Cheddar when they played a Volkswagen show for a great friend of mine, I supplied the coffee. 

Back to this gig, simply put it was an awesome night, what you expect from a night with Reef, they always look to be having as much fun as the audience. The night was split into two sets, the first was Replenish in full, the second set a list of fan favourites. 

A shout out for side project ‘Them is Me’ from 2008, a CD I sourced at the time for an extra fix of West Country Growl.

The lineup has changed but the vibe from the band has not diminished a bit in 30 years. Gary Stringer sounds great as ever, his grin throughout as big as the songs. Jack Bessant, ever a formidable presence on stage with his own immutable style. Amy and Luke on Guitar and Drums capture that original Reef sound perfectly. It’s a party night, a great singalong night of songs that have been part of the soundtrack to many people lives including mine. 

Support was from ‘Mother Vulture’ a Feral Blues-Punk band from the South West who have supported Reef in the past. Great musicians with a unique voice leading, from almost operatic at times to a heavy metal death growl. A great support, unsigned but creating a buzz which is always good to read for young bands. Coming back to the 1865 next year, I’ll be attending. A high energy live act you won’t be disappointed you saw. And with a new album on the horizon they are certainly worth a Spotify dive.

https://www.youtube.com/@mothervulture