Reef

By the time I make it into the Astoria (I'd started the night at Mean Fiddler's unsigned bands night in LA2), Reef are more than halfway through their set. They are oblivious to the nervous hopefuls that have been trying to make a name for themselves downstairs. The contrast could not be more striking; I have moved from starry-eyed optimism to a supremely confident rock.

Reef are a band who know how to enjoy themselves and play it like it is; good old back to basics soulful rock delivered in a dazzling adrenaline fuelled performance. They are fresh, loose limbed and happy to be here. Gary Stringer's caustic, screeching tones are the band's identity. Kenwyn House's Jimmy Page-like riffs and Jack Bessant's throbbing basslines reverberate around the Astoria. There are going to be a good few cases of tinitus tonight.

The West Country stars have produced four albums of effortless musicianship and simple adherence to the power of the riff. They are currently nine dates into their UK tour but there seems little rock and roll fatigue as Stringer and Bessant take it in turns to perform prostrate on the stage, meet and great or generally lark about.

I obviously missed a lot but from what I do hear their latest single, Superhero, it stands out and soars with it's exhilarating and catchy hook line.

They perform two encores - the second of which sees exhausted but not yet beaten drummer, Dominic Greensmith, stagger back on stage like a new born calf. Tonight was an unexpected treat for me. My appetite has not just been whetted - it has been soaked.

"Oi Gary, see you at The Forum next year!" 1st Feb; I'll be the one there early.

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