Show Review: REIN At Shockoe Sessions Live, April 1st
On the latest edition of Shockoe Sessions Live, REIN took center stage, delivering a performance that was as emotionally charged as it was technically masterful. With his signature blend of high-energy shredding and introspective songwriting, he captivated a heartfelt audience of close friends and family, debuting new material alongside fan favorites.
Having been named one of Richmond’s top five guitarists via RVA Mag, REIN–real name Jordan Reinecke–showcased his extraordinary skills in a set that was as much about heart as it was about technique. From fiery solos that reaffirmed his guitar-hero status to deeply personal ballads, REIN’s setlist spanned the full spectrum of human emotion–songs that dive into the highs of love like his blues-rock-fueled “Devil Was an Angel” to the stinging heartbreak of songs like “Fade Away.”
Arriving early, I had the chance to sit in on the band’s soundcheck, taking place in a different part of In Your Ear than Reinecke previously explored in the first episode of REINCHECK. Since they were debuting new material, they meticulously worked through the finer points of song transitions, rhythms, and finalizing their setlist. It was a fascinating glimpse into the last-minute tweaks that go into live performance. After soundcheck, they invited me into the venue’s makeshift green room, a recording studio down the hall from the performance space. Inside, the atmosphere was lighthearted as they joked around and made final adjustments to their setlist. While calm and jovial, there was an underlying nervousness–I mean, who wouldn’t be? They were about to play brand-new songs for the first time live in front of a live studio audience. That scenario is sure to make anyone’s stomach drop.
Leading up to the show, Reinecke had shared on Instagram: “After years of grinding as a working musician–hitting my 500th gig last year–I’m finally putting together all my energy into what I’ve always wanted to do.” That milestone was reflected in his performance, where confidence met vulnerability. Joining them in the session was REIN’s producer, Pete Rango, who added context on how some of their new song’s final iterations came together.
The intimacy of the setting added another layer to the night’s magic. The room, packed with close friends and family, whispered moments of recognition, “oh, that’s about so-and-so,” and, “oh no, this one’s about his plant that died.” An oddly profound grief that anyone who’s ever lost a leafy companion after years of nurturing would know. That heartbreaking ballad closed out the night and proved to be one of the set’s most affecting moments. Reinecke himself held back tears as he explained the story and he wasn’t alone–some in the audience joined in with eyes welling up, moved by the sincerity written into each line of his song.
As the show ended, Reinecke embraced each of his bandmates–a quiet but powerful display of appreciation and love for those who had helped bring his vision to life. His upcoming debut album promises to be a powerful introduction to a musician who has already earned his stripes in the Richmond scene. If his Shockoe Session performance was any indication, REIN’s journey is only just beginning… and it’s one well worth following.
Stay connected with REIN on social media for the latest updates as his new album release approaches.
