Reef catalogue - THE ALBUMS!!
Replenish
Feed me opens with an unusual buzzing, some hums and a lot of yeah oh yeahs! It has a wonderful deep bass and that fabulous guitar swagger topped with a ripcurl of drums and that fantastic line 'Can't you see I'm all used up I need something to come and feed me, yeah'. It grabs you from the first buzz, Replenish just cemented itself in history as a brilliant debut.
Naked is a wonderful sexy number. It opens with that amazing repeated riff and rhythm. The vocal is absolutely scorching and it doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing it is impossible to feel bad when this track is on and you have to dance and attempt to sing along. (At six years old this was probably the best song I'd ever heard and it led to my life long love affair with this band).
Good feeling: The brilliant scatting and the volume swell-like sound on the chorus laid over the top of that fabulous rock out of brilliant instrumentation gives you a good feeling about this album.
Repulsive: There is a more intimate feel about this track. It opens quieter and moodier with a real down and dirty funky bass part, then the vocal starts and it's obvious with it's opening line why it's got that feel; 'feeling horny and just that, you don't want my love I'll take it back'. There's nothing repulsive about this track, it's pure genius. It's funky, soulful and despite it's subject matter rather cute opening up like that lyrically!
Mellow: Here's the absolute gem of the album. Mellow just creates beautiful imagery of early mornings, beautiful beaches with gorgeous clear waters crashing onto their golden sands and a day that's hopeful. It opens with an absolutely gorgeous beat that sounds like waves crashing. 'I hear the ocean beat upon the shore outside my room calling me from sleep to listen to her graceful tune'. The whole track is full of beautiful lyrics that make it near on impossible not to quote the whole song!
Together: After the intimacy of Repulsive and the calmness and hypnotic qualities of Mellow the following tack Together is a big ball of noisy energy, it's a rocker for sure!
Replenish: Replenish is largely an instrumental track although there is some vocal work, it sounds more tribal than lyrical. It's a calming track and is excellently placed after the rowdiness of Together.
Choose to live: The guitar anticipations and thoughtful drumming on this number really make it. It's also a brilliant showcase for the vocal range and a really positive track ' the fire in you has a right to burn so don't let anyone put it out'.
Comfort: Just about as intimate as repulsive, but this track presents a sweeter side to the lead character. This track showcases the great range of the vocalist and it's just a really satisfying number.
Loose:A funky guitar mixed with a metal style bass. It's an interesting number. There's some fabulous guitar work dancing around the vocal on this track.
End: The end is an aggressive gnarly piece of genius. It's use of aggression is a clever closer to the album and a brilliant way to turn negative energy into a fabulous track. You won't forget about this album for sure! It isn't quite the end however as there's a little break before the track continues into something pretty and trippy, almost a Replenish track continuation. That's Reef summed up for you, energetic aggressive and pretty all in one.
Reef Glow
Place your hands: has become an anthem and rightly so. It's wonderful riff, infectious beat, that
wicked scatt in the middle, those absolutely attention grabbing vocals all mean you need this song in
your life! Genius! This song despite being written about the death of a loved one has a feel good vibe
and remains a firm favourite at live shows.
I would have left you: It is impossible not to love the vocals on this track. Every word is so exaggerated
you just can't help sing along especially to all the pet names and terms of endearment at the end.
There is also a beautiful partnership between the funky bass and the funky guitar, which helps with the
great bounce of this track.
Summer's in bloom: The bass opens the track and it has a rebellious heavy tone to it and then the vocal tells of a story of having a laugh with friends. It's full of rebellion and excitement and there's so much musical talent happening on this track it's a feast for your ears...summer's definitely in bloom, let this track fill the room!
Lately stomping: There's so many rhythms and styles going on in this track that it only seems right to have the line ' been around the world and there is nothing that I wouldn't do just to see a smile upon your face'. All the different styles sound like they represent a lot of different places around the world. There is even a bit that sounds like a carnival in Rio...definitely a musically diverse track.
Consideration: It sounds as though a lot of consideration went into writing this piece. It takes courage to sing so clearly and slowly and again it's a positive piece with repeated line 'it's gonna be all right'.
Don' you like it?: The guitar is infectious and that beat on the chorus....wow!!! 'Oh don't you like it when I'm high'...it's full of amazing guitar parts ...Reef we love it when you're high!
Come back brighter: 'Sun hurts me if I try to fight her', what a fabulous line! Amazing bass on this track too a pure feel good vibe.
Higher vibration: You'll love the energy in this song. 'Because I'm looking for a higher vibration, so won't you give it to me '...great to bounce around to!
I'm not scared: This track really gets in your head it's quite hypnotic. it has unusual effects on the bass that are quite daring but work well.
Robot riff is an absolute joy of a piece. It sounds like aliens have taken over the instruments in Reef. It's quirky, electronic and has a fabulous vocal. It's a thoughtful piece presented in a really fun way.
Yer old: it's all about the beat and the bounce for this track and it's really fun to shout along to the chorus ' Yer old Yer old Yer oldYer old...' but there isn't anyone that can quite match the growl before the 'so what you gonna do' part! It's a perfect track with just the right amount of growl in the vocal.
Lullaby; No-one has ever made a lullaby sound quite so cool and it has a lovely rhythm to it. It's a calming end to a very energetic album and it works well.
Reef Rides:
New bird: there's great bass and fabulous energetic guitar stabs mixed with in your face vocals and crashing drums. As always a fabulous opener.
I've got something to say: This track is all about the lyrics. The words are at the front of this piece. There's interesting word order 'glad still to have you'. It's once again a happy vibe from the tribe of the good vibe.
Wandering: This track opens with a lovely guitar riff that has a great rhythm to it, like someone walking with a skip in their step.
Metro describes the feeling of being in a relationship and it's a cute happy song with a fun vibe and sweet guitar work and satisfying harmonies.
Hiding: There's a great rhythm to the vocal and the instruments are playing some sophisticated stuff jamming out with beautiful tone and clarity. It's a gorgeous track and hidden deep in the back catalogue.
Sweetie: Well the name says it all, this is a sweet track! It's really pretty sounding.
Locked inside: This album is full of beautiful thoughtful pieces and the delicate gentle tones of this track add to the incredible vibe created with those beautiful sounds.
Back in my place has brilliant grungy bass throughout and fabulously confident lyrics with a classic rock style guitar break. A great mix of styles and a very satisfying piece.
Undone and sober: is the tale of someone at their worst time, 'you've shat on my best feeling' but even though it's a track about a low point in someones life it's still a brilliant piece of music and not depressing at all.
Who you are: is a wonderfully energetic track. The words are sung to the beat which gives it a punchy feel and helps exaggerate the rhythm of the song.
Love feeder: a nice little number with a fun vibe and pretty guitar work.
Moaner snap: what a brilliant little tune! Great lyrics and a cute sounding vocal! 'I've been waiting forever, hoping that my past catches up with me'. There's a retro vibe to the guitar tone. Everything is delivered brilliantly and the track as a whole is solid gold.
Funny feeling: The instrumentation lends itself to the weird vibe of the song captured perfectly by the title 'funny feeling'. There's a lot of unusual instrument sounds throughout this track building to a mass of them at the end before cutting straight into the next track Electric Sunday, which is mainly acoustic and a calm end to a very diverse and beautiful album.
Reef Getaway:
Set the record straight: The energy is infectious and the vibe is positive. The beat and lyrics make you want to dance. What more can you want? This is bouncy perfection!
Superhero: the dance vibe continues with this wonderfully exciting guitar riff of hammer ons and pulll offs and fun lyrics 'super hero I'm dancing and I feel like you....sing me a song I'll fly away' - Brilliant! If you can't dance tap along to that amazing beat!
Getaway: Who needs a holiday brochure when you've got Reef advertising holidays! 'Malaga for £35, Easter Island £400, holidaying all year round'. It's exciting stuff that definitely makes you want to travel!
Solid: Solid band sound with great vocal delivery.
All I want is a lovely example of delicate guitar work.
Hold on: 'Hold on no matter what you're going through, just hold on celebrate the things you do'. There's some powerful stuff going on lyrically in this track, presented with more great vocal delivery.
Saturday: The opener to this track with it's fabulous rhythm grabs you straight away. The lyrics also don't disappoint. It's wonderful from start to finish and that guitar solo is something every guitar player wants to be capable of playing. This track is pure perfection on so many levels.
Won't you listen: You'll definitely listen to these vocals the delivery is fantastic!
Levels: This is an absolutely beautiful song about family love. 'I went out for a walk with my young one hanging from my chest as we strolled ....three young lovers walking on and on'. It's imagery is perfect and really captures an innocence and beauty. 'a simple mans pleasure I have today, I see my future that way'.
Pretenders: a song about someone who's hearts not in the music anymore? It's powerful and passionate!
I do not know what they will do: a song about the music industry. It's punky, gnarly and fabulously angsty 'Are you all twisted inside?' - love it!
Life seems so clean *Japan bonus track: is full of prominent drum beats.
Nothing town *Japan bonus track: Pretty vocals nice piano work.
Reef Revelation:
Revelation: It's exciting stuff! 'Riding rough shot all over the world, annoying the boys and pleasing the girls'...what an opener! It's loud, it's heavy and full of rock pulsing through it's every beat!
My sweet love is a cute track, a love song but far from soppy! It's a brilliant number and has a wonderful bassy break in the middle. The album version features Sheryl Crow on vocals, but we've heard this track live before without another voice and it works just as well, but sounds completely different.
Provide: There's a great rhythm in the voice that's backed by a tasty drum beat. There's interesting uses of biblical references throughout and a wonderful vocal.
How I got over: This is a reworking of the classic gospel track by Clara Ward and later famously recorded by Aretha Franklin. It works well. It's still got soul, but has slightly different lyrics. There's a gospel aspect now to this band, is there any style they can't pull off?
Don't go changing your mind: 'trust is free, baby hold on don't give up on me'. There's some pretty guitar work and some powerful pleading going on, which make for a beautiful track.
Precious metal: Fantastic down and dirty bass and an almost scary vocal. It's an infectious track, you can't help thinking they were dancing in the studio whilst recording it, there's so much bounce in this piece.
Just feel love: The heavy pulsating bass makes this track. It's almost trippy when paired with the hypnotic repeated vocal line 'just feel love'.
Ball and chain: There's fast riffery and some of the vocal has a bit of a Jim Morrison tone to it. It's a powerful song for the rockers out there.
First mistake: It's a precious vocal, beautiful guitar licks and a familiar warm bass sound...it wouldn't be a Reef track without that.
Darling be home soon: This is a lovely version of the classic song by John Sebastian of Lovin' Spoonful. The vocal tones really suit this track. Many people have performed it before such as Joe Cocker with his faultless version and Reef's performance stands up there with the best of them.
Lone Rider: Opens with a full on western movie kind of sound before breaking into a more intimate sound ready for the opening line 'I am a lone rider'. It's got a lovely beat and it's full of swagger especially on the line 'I'm making it easier for you to bust off these chains'. The way the words are enunciated adds to the songs charm.
Like a ship without a sail: The album closes with a cover of Thomas Lee Barrett's gospel track like a ship without a sail.
Revelation is definitely a broad mix of musical styles. It's as much a gospel record as it is a rock stomper. By experimenting with different genres it not only keeps their sound fresh but showcases their diversity and excellent knowledge of music.
Reef back catalogue - THE SINGLES!!!
For those of of you who were lucky enough to have discovered Reef from the start, here's a reminder of what's in your collection of goodies...for those of you who didn't buy the full catalogue here's what you missed and it might be worth trying to locate some of these hidden gems.
Reef Good feeling 1995: This was a scorcher of a first single which is featured on Replenish, but also on this release includes the full electric version of Wake. With it's cheeky lyrics Wake is a beat driven fast paced guitar laden beast of a track with a wonderful funky vocal delivery. This should have been a single in it's own right...so catchy - go on and rediscover it now! The next track is a live version of End...it was recorded very early on in their career (pre album release) as they are still having to introduce themselves. In retrospect it's a nostalgic piece, but at the same time it shows how much power and energy they were capable of producing even that early on. It's a great live clip and what an amazing tasty first release. The next single is Naked and is them at their finest. It is hard to imagine that it didn't get to number one because it's absolute perfection! That fabulous beat just gets into your soul and if you don't sing along to 'I'll blow you away' you must be a soulless robot! It's infectious. It also appears on Replenish. The next track is the radio edit of Choose to live. It's a beautiful mix of the track with every note as important as the last. It's magical, positive and makes you want to go out and have a jam session. The last track is a demo version of Fade. It has lovely instrument work and a pretty vocal. It's hard to imagine that this is only a demo. It's such a well recorded pretty little tune. Weird is a non album single. It's noisy, aggressive, fun and full of vocal growls. If you're ever in a mood it's a great one to sing along to. There's some great guitar twanging going on here too. Next track Sunrise shakers is a perfect instrumental rock out. Every instrument gets a chance to shine. Together appears on this single as another noisy scorcher of a track. Theres some wonderfully heavy riffing going on here and an exciting vocal. You may have heard this track on Replenish. Here's another equally energetic and slightly noisier recording of live favourite End. The next single is Place your hands if you joined the party here then well done you discovered something fantastic, probably their biggest hit, but look at the stuff you missed before! This track is fantastic, of course it is! It's anthemic and at face value it's a great tune, but delve a little deeper and there's some powerful meaning in those lyrics that would work equally as good as a slow folk song. The guitars on this track make you want to run out and buy a guitar and the beat is infectious. It's just a perfect track and the vocal performance is wonderful. Uncomfortable is the next track and it's a chilled vibe with great instrumentation. The lyrics however are dark 'but what I really think is I'm not in control I'm crying'. It's a great track whatever vibe you interpret. The Snob is next with it's unusual vocal and great rhythm. It's gnarly and energetic and sounds like no other Reef track, but it still has their passion. 'If you cannot dance you are a liar, if you cannot move then you're not alive' . Their tracks always encourage dance! This single also includes the Australian edit of the great non album single Weird. Their was also a limited live CD2 available of Place your hands, which included live tracks of Place your hands, Repulsive, Speak lark and Naked. It's full of energy and bounce. his version of Repulsive is fabulous the guitar is extra riffy and the vocal is even cheekier than the studio version with more growls. Speak lark opens with a wonderful dancing bass line....you've heard of a walking bass line, well this actually dances! The vocal is mental in parts, there's so much energy in that voice! Next single was Come back brighter which obviously contained the big bassy title track, but also resignation which is a great track of cool drums and guitar work and fun lyrics 'before you chuck me out, I was the first to doubt you' which are delivered in that familiar cheeky way that Gary manages so well! The next track It's not what I need is a sweet little number with a great vocal and nice guitar work it's a thoughtful piece rather than an an aggressive jump arounder, but all the energy is still there. Hawaiian tooth is next which showcases pretty guitar work and has a chilled instrumental vibe. If like so many others you really wanted the poster, you would have bought CD2 of Come back brighter (many would have bought CD2 twice as the poster was double sided and let's face it, you would have needed both sides visible, clever marketing plan boys!). So once again this featured the fabulous title track as well as Back into line which has a great beat and sway to it. There's also a wonderfully stripped version of Come back brighter labelled as Dom and Gary (Australian demo). It's lovely to hear how the song progressed to the monster of a track that it became and it's nice to hear the giggles on this recording. It's fun and something intimate that isn't normally heard out of the studio. The next track is Robot part (orinoco jam), which later became Robot riff and features on Replenish. It's great there and this version is also fabulous, it's rhythm is something else and who can sing that high? - love it! The next single was Consideration with it's beautiful passionate lyrics. The next track is Allotment. It has a great ballsy vocal and frantic instruments. New thinking is next and it's a brilliant bassy jam. This is followed by the radio edit of Consideration which is nicely done, but loses over 2 minutes of the track! Consideration CD2 features the full version of the song as well as Claypits, live versions of Higher vibration and Come back brighter. Claypits is an electronic beat. This version of Higher vibration is a real gem. It's different to other releases of it out there because it's acoustic and it sounds amazing and punky played this way. The vocal is wonderful and the rhythm is fantastic. The introduction at the beginning is rather sweet too. This band are so loveable it's nice to hear them speak on the recordings as it adds a human element to the great tracks that have since become anthems. Yer Old was the next single and it's an absolute belter of a track. Also included are excellent live versions of Place your hands and Summer's in Bloom recorded live at Wireless. Then Yer Old (The young version) which is a whole 12 seconds longer! CD2 of Yer Old features the full length version of the song, an electric live recording of Higher vibration and Lately stomping as well as a live version of Yer old recorded at Derby in '97. Lately stomping features a particularly funky guitar part on this recording and an extra bouncy bass. The live version of Yer old is particularly energetic with heavy drum beats and it sounds a bit faster than normal - is it really possible to add any more energy to this track?! - Brilliant. The next single is I've got something to say and again is spread over 2 discs on one disc you've got the single version of I've got something to say which is a lovely little sing a long. Then you've got the album version of the energetic number Who you are and another live version of Choose to live which was recorded live at Norwich UEA and is just as good as ever but a little bit different with every release. The accent is particularly strong on this recording and the line ' choose your life' sounds amazing. The other disc of the single contains the same single edit of I've got something to say and new exclusive tracks Foot one and Buried. Foot one has a great rhythm and is heavily guitar chord driven. 'Build this dream please with me, I've been away for a long time'. It's a great number in it's own right. It's hard to understand why it didn't make an album. Buried is a wonderful example of wacky guitar sound. It has a great rhythm and it's vocal is nice and shouty. There's a lot of things happening here and it's interesting for you to interpret all the sounds. Sweety was the next single and contains as well as the single version of this track 2 other tracks Newbird (recorded for Student Broadcast Network) and This day which is a long trippy number. There's also another pressing of this single which as well as the single edit of the title tracks has two more songs Triumphant Anthem and Bullitt that are worth exploring. Triumphant anthems full of neatly put together guitar rhythms and raw vocal over the top. Bullitt is a complete rock off between the guitar and bass who sound like they're having some kind of race. The next single was New Bird. that includes the stomper of a title track which appears on Rides alongside Back in my place and there's a video of Sweety. The next single is Set the record straight and includes the title track, Gentle morning and Haze as well as the Set the record straight video. The beat of this record is infectious, a real dancey number. Gentle morning is beautiful. It has a pretty vocal and great guitar work. It's a treat and deserves to be more than just a B side. Haze has lovely guitar work, it's a really chilled piece, but it makes you want to grab that acoustic and play along - gorgeous! CD2 of Set the record straight contains the title track and 2 more songs that feature on bonus tracks on some versions of Getaway. Life seems so clean ad Nothing town. We're up to Superhero now and CD1 is a total treat. It features that epic track Superhero with it's wonderful reiff and bounce, but also Inside outside, Bloody Mary and a video of Superhero recorded at Jack's flat! Exciting stuff! Inside outside is a catchy tune with a great sing a long quality. Bloody Mary has energetic chubby guitars and a prominent walking bass line. The video to Superhero is also great...have a sneaky peak in Jack's flat! CD2 contains the title track and a lovely guitar opener on Nothing can change the fact and a real cool and crisp vocal. Whistle down opens with pretty acoustic guitar runs. It has great texture and it's a nice clear recording. It also has a Led Zeppelin 3 jangly vibe to it. This CD also features the actual music video for Superhero. All I want is next which includes the thoughtful title track and more live versions of Come back brighter and Naked as well as the All I want video. The crowd on the recording of Come back brighter are so loud, you can tell that has had to be turned down, they're very energetic singing along and whooping and you can tell this even from the giddiness of the actual vocal. The energy is second to none. You can also hear the excitement on Naked and you can imagine the crowd bouncing...great examples of live tracks. Give me your love was the next single and again has 2 discs CD1 has the album version of the highly energetic wonderful guitar driven title track as well as Say what you want which has a wonderful deep and heavy bass and a wonderful lyric 'Say what you want and I won't stay down'. Thank you baby is a rock song in all it's glory. Why is this not an album track?! It could even be argued that it rocks harder than the title track...brilliant rock voice, fantastic riffing! There's also the video for Give me your love. CD2 contains the album version of the title track. Never before heard track Steal away with it's moody guitar riff and great lyrics 'your mind makes me uncomfortable and now I know that I'm rejecting you'. What a line! There's a speeded up dance version of Place your hands (Rob Orton mixed it) and a video version of Place your hands included here as well. Next is the 3 disc single version of Waster included on these are the title track waster which is a great shout along with excellent pounding drums and funky bass 'I'm a waaaaaaaste!'...go on you just can't help yourself! There's also a studio version of Black Sabbath's scorcher War Pigs. It's a fabulous tribute to an amazing band by an amazing band. You have to be great and brave to touch a song this good and they do it justice. There's also a live version of Talk to me which is so catchy and this version was recorded live at Bristol Academy. The next disc (2) has Waster on and features Nathan Curan on drums a live version of War pigs and Saturday 3 brilliant tracks and the live versions capture the live energy that those lucky audiences were a part of at those gigs. Disc 3 is all videos for Waster, Come back brighter, End, Give me your love and Naked. The next single was the last single to feature Kenwyn House on guitar and was the beautiful Barking at trees. The vocal is precious and powerful, there's a great use of anticipation and restraint. The guitar is pretty and energetic and it's a very atmospheric track. You got it is the next track it's fantastic with it's swaggering vocals and dancey vibe. The next single and last one to appear as a physical release was How I got over and is the first to feature Jesse wood on guitar. The opening track is the radio edit for the classic gospel song How I got over. It's a nice tidy version of the song and full of energy. The second track is the full length version of the track. Then it's followed by a super heavy bass driven wonderful live version of Just feel love taken from the live at St Ives release.
So thats the singles covered. Hope you enjoyed that mammoth walk through Reef's amazing back catalogue...but that's not all...for those of you compelled to buy everything Reef there's also been a few greatest hits packed with tracks that hadn't been released previously or only featured as live bootlegs and B sides. If you bought Together the best of Reef it would have provided you with excellent new tracks lucky number, Stone for your love, Talk to me and a cover of Just dropped in (to see what condition my condition was in). Lucky number has a wonderful vocal delivery and there's great rhythm in the vocal that commands you to sing along. That bass and stabby guitar opening is so attention grabbing on Stone for your love with it's excellent rhythm and exciting vocals. Talk to me starts off quiet and moody before breaking into a full on instrumental bounce. Then possibly the greatest cover the band has ever released, they totally own Just dropped in. If you bought The best of Reef released in 2008 and already have Together then there's nothing new here except the running order. Reef live the dvd is a wonderful recording of a Bristol show featuring Nathan Curran on drums. It has a lot of extras including lots of the music videos to early singles and a behind the scenes documentary. Reef the collection from 2014 contains live versions and recordings from acoustic sessions that have been rarely heard. There's an excellent acoustic version of early b side Wake and an acoustic radio session recording of Come back brighter amongst these rare tracks. The collection also comes with a nice mini biography in the sleeve notes that's definitely worth a read. In 2016 the band released a live at Saint Ives album which features brilliant live versions of a career spanning back catalogue and also Just feel love and Ball and chain which until the release of Revelation in 2018 weren't available on hard copy. There was also a boxset called 93/03 which featured the complete recorded works of Reef from the purple tape '93 to 2003. It also featured more rare recordings and demos. It was well received by fans and press for the amount of thought that had gone into compiling the collection, it's design and it's content.
Want to explore further catalogue featuring our beloved Reef guys? Then check out:
Them is me (featuring from Reef; Jack Bessant, Gary Stringer and sometime drummer Nathan Curran)
Stringer Bessant (featuring from Reef; Jack Bessant Gary Stringer and Nathan Curran)
The SB band (featuring from Reef; Jack Bessant Gary Stringer and Dominic Greensmith)
Goldray (featuring from Reef; Kenwyn House)
Them is me self titled 2008
Demon Rebel: 'underneath me underneath me won't you please me won't you please me'. It's fast paced and punky and full of powering delivered with a punchy vocal. The guitar drums and bass are going mental. It's a big attention grabbing piece and a wonderful opener.
Let the sun opens with the bass playing a happy little tune, which actually works in building tension. it puts you on edge for when the metal style heaviness takes over even though you're not sure what's about to happen until it's happened with an opener like that you know it's going somewhere else. It's a brilliant composition full of texture, just enough tease and great instrumentation and if that's not enough it's topped with a divine vocal delivered perfectly too! - wonderful!
Moving up has a great back beat and a nice clear vocal. It's lovely drum rolls will have you wanting a drum kit!
The skull behind is a real mix of sound and rhythms, it's heavy and even creepy in parts, it will get your head banging for sure.
They won't be there for you: There's a real cute loveable vocal delivery on this track how he says 'you should take a little time'. The instruments are having a real rock out. It's a great number, take some time out and give it a listen!
Caveman love: 'Are you ready for Caveman love?' The opener gets you straight away, you think what the hell is this (?), but it's wonderful! 'bag a little carnal offering forget how it's best to behave, tag along with me back to my cave' is probably the best lyric ever written! This song is full of heavy metal beats and if it's possible to be full of swagger and caveman like at the same time, then thats what it is! The caveman style grunts and growls are wickedly amusing! It's a great song.
Sick of you: has great rhythm and the lyrics are great to sing about anyone you're sick of.
Them is me is a brilliant heavy but tuneful number and in parts has a Black sabbath vibe.
When it gets dark has some interesting lyrics and imagery.
Burning through black: dark discussions of death. Where does your soul go? It's full of interesting ideas presented in a heavy metal musical case.
Did you bring music today: Music is a great healer of the soul and this track explores that idea brilliantly. 'Did you bring music today?...because I'd be glad of it's company. It takes me away (x2) from this heartless insanity'. A brilliant album closer, ending on a powerful high with a wonderful warm full band sound and the repeated positive line 'music has the power it makes me feel alive'.
Stringer-Bessant Yard 2010
Yard is definitely worthy of being in anyones top 10 albums. It's beauty shines through on every track. It's stripped back approach actually showcases some non simplistic guitar work, hard working vocals and excellent song writing.
The opener Hey girl is absolutely gorgeous then there's fantastic lyrics on Self is here. There's a beautiful haunting vocal on The Calling and a lovely guitar line throughout. Peeling back just melts even the least romantic listener. Wipe those tears has a jaunty rhythm and the opening lyrics are brilliant 'I wrote a song and thought of you, an open wound that smelt of you' - ha excellent! Give me the keys is sweet, romantic and upbeat. Shutting down is another intimate insight into the writers mind. Wild day appears here as well as on the E.P. It's beauty is right at home on this gorgeous record. Core makes you want to strum along and the part in the vocal 'the stars they shine' is just fabulous. Make it: 'Don't bring those negative vibes, don't bring them here'. This is about the rowdiest track on the album, but it still has an acoustic at it's heart. It's a fantastic let go sing along with it's positive energy. Song worth singing: The guitar rhythm is wonderful and there's some fancy picking going on in between some great strumming. The vocal is attention grabbing and it's exactly as the title suggests - a song worth singing. Lord, please come has a wonderful bass run throughout and is a great album closer. Everything on this record is glorious. It's pure beauty in your ears. Everyone needs this album in their life!
Stringer-Bessant The wild Day E.P 2011
The Wild day E.P from Stringer-Bessant is a beautiful collection of acoustic tones. This rendition of Mellow is something else! The acoustic guitar is thoughtful and the vocal is delicious. The recording is immaculate and the vibe is a chilled and has been well captured. Self is here opens with fantastic harmonica. IT's a soulful track with lovely guitar work, where you can hear every note and every finger slide. It's precious and beautiful. Wild day has a lovely tone and wonderful restraint on the guitar keeping the track a chilled and thoughtful piece. They've got a brilliant style going on here and the vocal delivery on this E.P is fabulous. There's so much power in the voice without a need to shout the power is in th anticipation and restraint nd every track is well handled . Cross the valley with the two vocals works well and is a fun number. It also has greta rhythm. Peeling back the layers (live at Kingpig) is a lovely, thoughtful, again well captured recording of a beautiful track. Give me the keys (live at Kingpig) is a cute little track and is performed wonderfully on this live version.
Stringer-Bessant The SB band 2013
All the horses: It's lovely how this piece builds texture by adding each instrument in layers from just the bass opening. It's a great start to this sweet album.
Strong enough man: 'I don't wanna work for the man, I wanna stick to the plan...When I need somewhere to float I turn on my stereo a little light on within my head' This is a very ispirational track about following your career dreams and music being a sanctuary. It's a great tune to have in your head!
Mark my number down: This is such a pretty track, very catchy with great guitar work.
Hoosic: This is a beautiful jangly piece with the addition of a Banjo and Cajon. There's great rhythm and dreamy vocals.
The creatures: This is a great atmospheric track. The almost speaking rather than singing vocal really adds something to the piece because it's unusual which grabs your attention straight away.
Walk to Zamberk: There is a great warmth and steady beat to the piece. There is also a coziness as the vocal describes a pleasant time.
Alison: If ever there was a perfect song then here you've found it. The lyrics are lovely and the line 'you take on all karmas and come out smiling' is beautiful, what a superb lady! The delivery of those lyrics is faultless and the steady beat of the instruments adds great warmth to the track.
I can't wait for this: There's a beautiful duet between the harmonica and banjo on this piece.
Malefic lullaby: There's something creepy about these lyrics set to a lullaby rhythm. 'We must get out of here, no one is coming for you'. It's very atmospheric and a wonderful piece, but not one you will be singing to the kids!
Strong heart: A song abut inner strength and recovery. It's composed well and carries a positive message even though you can tell the writing came from sadness.
Welcombe river: The drums crash around the guitars like waves. It's a relaxing piece and quite hypnotic with the spoken vocal appearing again.
Take me home: This is a great sing along you really feel for the voice and want them to get home! IT's a great song to sing on long journeys 'my mind is weary, my head it hurts, TAKE ME HOME!'
Daybreak tomorrow: The harmonica opening this piece is reminiscent of a cockerel's call! The music is a definite celebration of life with excitement for the next day. Which is reflected in the line 'all things considered daybreak tomorrow will be just fine'. There's a real positive vibe to the track. The instruments end up having a full blown rock out. The melody and beat is infectious. Just singing along to this makes you feel positive and it's a great way to end a very thoughtful deep and emotive album.
