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| Bruce Douglas & Mark Hollis - Photo by George Bodnar, NME |
New Musical Express - August 26, 1978
Caption: THE REACTION: “So cop the new single, right?”
The Reaction
MARQUEE CLUB, LONDON
REACTION, You wanna reaction? Aw, right - try this.
Hey gang - Remember those fabulous ‘60s? No? Rowboat the slick ‘70s? Reaction do. They checked out transatlantic Pop Rhythm ’n’ Rock Hall of Fame. And decided that’s where they’re coming from.
They’re young and they play good. Sound is structured round controlled interplay between lead and rhythm guitars, with heavy rhythmic support at the back. I heard them make a mistake on “Live Alone”, but otherwise the playing was just about flawless. Tasty harmonies too.
Mark Hollis (rhythm guitars) take the lead vocals and catches the main visual action. He kneels (prayer wise?) in front of the speakerstack. He reached for the volume switch… I felt a lump in my throat: this is feedback. And Gino Williams Jr. (drums) played a solo. That’s right - a drum solo. Laugh? I nearly cried as their cover version of Cream’s “Badge” chop-chopped through the speakers. Oh to be thirteen…
The Reaction look like up and coming corporate rockers should. Bruce Douglas (bass) is like Willie De Ville in a smartie suit. Bruce handles the material with finesse. He’s a suave player.
Perhaps they’ll headline and make albums. Just like Taste, Ten Years after and all that crew. Then the business really moves in and they get bagged as Rock stars.
Catch them now while they’re still fun.
Caris
(Fun fact: George Page mentioned to me that the two people at the mike was their nod to the Beatles.)
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| The Reaction-Promotional Poster - courtesy George Page |
Dear Angela i read only this entire article very interesting (not seen in Ask Hardy. ..) I adore the mention about Mark on knee in front of speakers....😁 - Francine France
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