REFLEX ACTION
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Reflex Action formed in 1978 and played their debut gig in the Harp Bar on Thursday 14th December, the same night that The Undertones from Derry were playing at the Pound just a few streets away (see review below). However, the small but enthusiastic crowd enjoyed their performance. The initial band line up was made up of Chris McLaverty (vocals & guitar), Mark Bradley (drums), Nigel McCombe (bass) and Henry Luke (rhythm guitar). However Nigel McCombe was eventually replaced on bass by Paul Bradley prior to their debut gig. Their set consisted of mostly original songs such as ‘Communist U.K’ and ‘Terrorist’, although they were known to throw in a cover of The Rolling Stones’ Rocks Off ‘ into their set on occasions. The band gigged regularly on the local scene and in 1979 did play one gig outside N. Ireland when Chris McLaverty’s brother John, then entertainments officer at York University put the band on. This was the band’s only foray to mainland UK. |
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Davy Johnston, a young Bryan Ferry look-alike and fanatic, took over from Chris McLaverty on vocals. This latter line-up recorded the tracks ‘Spies’ and ‘Recession’ for a compilation album on the local Shock Rock label released in 1980. Both tracks were also issued as a picture sleeve 7” single on the same label in May 1980. Drummer Mark Bradley recalls that the single had a considerable impact in a certain village in Great Finborough “Yes, the A-side was, for a decent spell the favourite current disc of "the Pig” - aka Sheila Ravenscroft, perhaps best known as spouse of John Peel!) John Peel played the single several times. My brother Paul met John at "Glasto" decades later, and he still remembered Reflex Action”. The band caught the attention of notable Manchester punk label Rabid Records but sadly nothing ever materialized from this interest. [Reflex Action are yet another example of how 'The Troubles' still managed to affect the local punk scene, as lead singer Davy Johnston's father was shot and killed by the I.R.A., apparently in a case of mistaken identity].
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Reflex Action - Harp Bar 14/02/78 (Review from Alternative Ulster Issue No. 9).
While the Pound was showcasing the boisterous Undertones on Thursday last, across the road at the reliable Harp, four very solemn faced young musicians going under the name of Reflex Action were getting on with the serious business of laying down a debut gig. For a ‘Punk Workshop’ The Harp was decidedly less than busy on this occasion. What few punters there were, being strewn sparsely across the rear wall. These ’fans’ seemed quite unaware that the band was on stage, and to be sure there wasn’t much action about the group, Reflex or otherwise.
Stuck in the darkest corner he could find was a shy 17 year old singer/guitarist Chris McLaverty. Poker-faced behind the skins was Mark Bradley (16)and perched up front were further stone-immutables Nigel McComb (a veteran 19) on bass and 16 yr old rhythm guitarist Henry Luke. It’s easy to account for the air of intense concentration on the part of Reflex Action. Formed only a few weeks ago, they were more concerned with hitting the right notes than with relating to the tiny audience. While they may have been eager to make a good impression, they ended up making no impression at all. So there was me stuck between an audience and a band taking no notice of each other. I just wish I’d brought my knitting with me.
The songs themselves suggest some lack of direction and identity, veering from Clashy socio-political items like ‘Communist UK’ and ‘Terrorist’ (easily the two most burning song titles on the year) through a limp Stones number (Rocks Off) to God-knows-what on ‘Subterranean Meetings’. Reflex Action already display creditable musical competence, but they aren’t going to grab anyone by the ears until they work a bit of punch into the show. An injection of confidence and flair is badly needed to back up the obvious ability they possess. I mean, if Chris would look at/speak to the audience a little, it might help a lot. It all hinges on how committed these lads are to creating a valid Rock ‘N’ Roll experience. Undoubtedly, if they’re prepared to work hard enough, Reflex Action can very easily raise themselves above the level of prayer-meeting background music.
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Spit Records 2021 | ||||||||||||