SWG3, Glasgow
17th Oct, 2025
On a lovely eve in Glasgow’ veritable music arts and cultural events facilitator SWG3, there was a great turn out as it hosted the mighty rock band from the 1990’s Reef. I recalled them with memories of a time when rock once again ruled the stage. Their musical roots perhaps stem from their spiritual home that is the magical Glastonbury, with its already famous rock.
Joining them on this current tour will be an “alternative metal” band called Kerbdog, an Irish group who were also around in the 1990’s. It turned out to be one sweet occasion, their band held the room to great musical account. As a fan of metal I realised it had been too long since my last live metal/rock concert feeling all my senses vividly joy full in its sweeping massiveness.
They managed to lift the crowd with their epic sound from start to finish. They were a very interesting choice by Reef, one that helps explain a sound deeply mythological in the roots of British music. As they left the stage the crowd were already in an excitement, the craft of stage prep built up in a feverish state, the coming of Reef who are touring to celebrate 30th anniversary of their debut album ‘Replenish’ released in 1995.
The four came on as gods awaited, going into their booming notes and celebratory style of music. What an amazing journey they have been on, rumours stirred in 1993 of artists starting a dream of playing in a band. It didn’t take long for their music and antics to climb the ladder of esteem supporting bands like Paul Weller and the Rolling Stones and more. Playing to a most soul full vocal and killer rock/metal riffs it didn’t take long for success to come for this hard working group.
Their most genuine noise, well crafted in its turns, pitches and group work left me with the feeling of something actually quite rare, as I revelled the sight of the Reef band on stage. The guitarist with a spectacular beard, they just played their music with the passion they have always had, very care free as to their image or style, putting music first, with the most chivalrous rock.
They disbanded in the 2000s but reformed 2010, all in all have released 6 studio albums, with ‘Shoot me your ace’ released in 2022, where we can listen to fresh writing with the same power of peace they always had. The venue SWG3’s room set ups have been expertly designed for optical performances, and its romantic walk to the Clyde has something very interesting about it.
We enjoyed them to the brink and brim as they brought their 30 years of music back playing magical rock both progressively and entertaining in their soul the genuine sound that it brought out. They set out to pull you in through sound and for nothing else but to celebrate, and they were a big part in the resounding music of those 1990’s. Playing massive tours and having the foresight to build something for fans, and achieving that through a kind of rock that stands out, is remembered and was always something a little mysterious.
Daniel Donnelly
themumble.uk 