 Five new, yet inconsequential tracks and a bunch of filler hits do not a good album make, and are absolutely not good enough reasons to buy Together. Maybe the surf mentality that Reef brought to the world has sunk in a little too far, but you really can ride the same wave way too often.
Of the new material, there is nothing to write home about - I wish there was, believe me. Just Dropped In is really the only hint that the band haven't completely disappeared up their own arse, but any ground made up with that is simultaneously destroyed by the inclusion of the single Give Me Your Love. As we are fond of saying in these parts, it's Reef by numbers. Maybe it's not quite as bad as all that but we expect and deserve more from a band capable of doing far better work than this. Where they will trek off to now is anybody's guess, but I would venture it is a tried and tested route that will eventually lead to their downfall.
Of the greatest hits package; well I'm not sure I see the point. Reef are the type of band to have a fan base loyal enough to have all of this already - most of it probably twice. Sure, they put out some good, if not great songs in their time, but the best years have been and gone and they really needed to come up with something that smacks a little more of talent and less of arrogance. This time, arrogance just ain't going to carry them far enough.
Does this stink of a band running out of steam? I think it does. Reef were once excitable and displayed all the characteristics of loose cannons able to take on the world. Now they are sadly expendable, having been eclipsed by far inferior acts just because they're lazy.
Ultimately, Together holds as many surprises as an episode of Scooby Doo, thus proving you really can chill out too much for your own good. Sadly disappointing, but I'd be delighted to be proved wrong in the future. :: Sion Smith |
