REEF were a great band. One of those acts which oozed optimism, and joy and left crowds grinning – arms in the air and feeling happier about the world.

But that was the late 90s ¬- and things were a little bit different then. We had a Labour government, the credit crunch, austerity and Islamic State were unimaginable and we were all a little more carefree. Alas, as the Rolling Stones sang, ‘things are different today…” And, after 13 years away (bar a couple of mini tours) how would the West Country rockers sound now?

The answer, I’m pleased – nay, ecstatic – to report is even better than ever.

Something has happened to Reef. Like a fine wine, George Clooney or Lulu - they have matured into something richer, stronger and more complex.

That boyish bunch of slim surfers has morphed into an ever-so-slightly grizzled bunch of lumberjack-chic hipsters – greying beards, weather-beaten faces and strident self-confidence.

Frontman Gary Stringer still has the Tigger-like boisterousness of the band’s early years but a new found swagger – and the skyscraping voice of a soul man. Bassist Jack Bessant, meanwhile, looks like a lithe version of Seasick Steve – a bedraggled rock god, flinging his tussled hair and Robinson Crusoe beard around while stepping to centre stage for those killer bass riffs.

Their initial reception at a packed O2 Academy Oxford (itself a sign of the love this band still attract) seemed to take the band – now augmented by Jesse Wood, son of Rolling Stone Ronnie – by complete surprise. Their delight at the roar and sea of hands, was self-evident.

The set, of course, went back to debut Replenish and hit-packed Glow – starting with a back-in-the-day classic Feed Me – but also some new punchy delights, such as Just Feel Love.

Gary’s voice is raw and throaty but nails those top notes, while the guitars thrash out chunky riffs and delicate refrains which are virtuoso without being poncy or posturing. This is still a good time party band – they just happen to be damn good musicians to.

The temperature in the sweat box of a venue climbs a notch for Consideration and soars for Come Back Brighter before reaching monsoon levels of humidity for the rousing Place Yoour Hands – every arm raised for this heartfelt anthem – Stringer’s voice stripping piant from the ceiling.

They finished on one of their oldest, Naked, but, of course, came back for more – ending on another sweaty arms-in-the-air bounce around to Yer Old.

A tumultuous end to one of rock & roll’s greatest come backs. Don’t leave us again lads…

TIM HUGHES 5/5