London act based modern Pop Rock act founded in 1993 and first coming to public attention via a support tour to PAUL WELLER. Vocalist Gary Stringer and bass player Jack Bessant's first band was entitled BIG TALK, this unit first coming together in the town of Street near Glastonbury. The band shifted base to Cornwaall and merged with musicians from NO SMOKE to become CHIEF.This band ground to a halt within a few months of operation with drummer Paul Winterhart subsequently joining KULA SHAKER. Allying themselves with guitarist Kenwyn House and drummer Dominic Greensmith the quartet became NAKED. In this guise the demo 'The Purple Tape' was submitted, and accepted, by major label Sony. Although taking the band on the A&R department suggested a name change and REEF was duly adopted.

Sony subsidiary S2 issued the debut single 'Good Feeling' in March of 1995, this effort cracking the British charts. However, the band surged into the national conscience following their infamous appearance as the cameo band in the Sony Minidisc advert. The featured track was 'Naked' and although the video confused many into thinking REEF were a US act, the filming took place in New York, the song more than proved its worth. Fortunately REEF ably avoided comparisions with other TV ad one hit wonders, their mature Bluesey Rock placing the Clive Martin produced debut album 'Replenish' deservedly into the British top ten. Valuable high profile touring in the UK saw supports to artists such as the ROLLING STONES and SOUNDGARDEN. Live activity extended into North America, Australia and Japan as the new non album song 'Weird' also made an impression in the British top twenty.

The band supported KYUSS in the UK during early 1995 and a succession of festival appearances enhanced their live reputation. Fuelled by hit singles 'Place Your Hands', a UK no. 6, and 'Come Back Brighter', another top ten, the George Drakoulias produced 'Glow', recorded at the famous London's Abbey Road studios, gave the band a worthy number 1 album in Britain. The ballad 'Consideration' kept the band profile high. 'Glow' was issued in the USA during the Spring of 1996 but failed to chart.

UK headline dates in February 1997 saw support coming from FEEDER. REEF stuck with Drakoulias in the production chair for the 1999 album 'Rides', this time opting to lsay down tracks in Los Angeles Ocean Way studios, but would switch to Al Clay for the 2000 effort 'Getaway', this album preceded by the single 'Set The Record Straight'. REEF would lose their Sony deal but, inducting new drummer Nathan Curran, bounced back with a Summer 2003 DVD / live album collection through Snapper Music. This live set included a rendition of BLACK SABBATH's 'War Pigs'. A Sony compilation, 'Together', would include the band's hits alongside five new numbers.