Rising out of Melbourne’s rock music landscape, ReeToxA arrives as both a continuation and a reset. The project marks a return for musician Jason McKee, who after nearly three decades immersed in music, has found himself circling back to the very first spark of why he started in the first place. ReeToxA represents a more reflective re-engagement with the emotional charge and sonic energy that defined his earliest connection to songwriting in the mid-1990s.
That period left a lasting imprint from the distorted sounds and emotional punch of grunge and alternative rock which helped shape his musical vision, instilling a sense that music could be both confrontational and personal at the same time. With ReeToxA, that influence resurfaces as a thread running through a body of work that feels based in experience and sharpened by time. Rather than treating this project as a simple comeback, Jason approaches it as a kind of recalibration; years spent balancing life and music have shifted his perspective and ReeToxA becomes the space where those experiences are processed and reinterpreted.
The first showcase of that mindset came with the debut single “Bobbie,” a track that introduced ReeToxA with a surge of emotional intensity. That balance carries through into the debut album Pines Salad, a collaborative effort developed alongside producer Simon Moro, bassist Kit Riley, guitarist James Ryan and drummer Peter Marin. Now, his expansive sophomore album Soliloquy expands his sound dramatically.
Conceived as a double album spanning twenty-six tracks, the project ventures further into both scale and impact, offering a rock journey that incorporates a European orchestra and stretches beyond the boundaries of a conventional release. During the covid pandemic, when recording the first album became impossible, Jason turned his focus toward this second project and in isolation, fuelled by cigarettes and coffee, he pushed himself to the edge, using the process as a way to confront memories, fears and the fragments of a life lived both inside and outside of music.
That environment seeps into the record, giving it a sense of urgency and emotional weight that feels difficult to manufacture under normal circumstances. Set up by the grooving rock swagger of opening track “REETOXA,” gritty guitars and punchy drums form an invigorating backdrop for his slick vocals to roll above carrying instantly catchy hooks. The one surviving song from the early days, “Bottle” reaches back to his origins to present a melodic rock outing that charges with lively energy and bright vocal leads.
The lead single “Thrift Shop Dress” builds from lightly gritty guitar lines before developing with driving drums and smooth vocal lines creating a sense of momentum. Tracks like “Demand Perfection” flows with pulsing rhythm and mellow vocal delivery, cut with the twang of stabby guitar rhythms and wailing leads. Closing with “Alright,” airy guitar notes and tapped percussion set up a laid back indie rock outing brimming with charming vocals and delicate melodic writing to leave a lasting impression of the album.
From start to finish, the project doesn’t rely on grand concepts alone, even within a record as ambitious as Soliloquy. It moves between scales, from the intimate to the anthemic, allowing each idea to find its own space. There’s a sense that nothing is off-limits, that every memory and moment can be translated into sound if approached with enough honesty. As ReeToxA moves into this next chapter, what becomes clear is that the project isn’t defined by where it came from, but by how it continues to stride forward. It’s shaped by experience, driven by emotion and held together by a renewed sense of purpose, presenting a reminder of why he started and a statement that there is still more to explore.
We caught up with ReeToxA to find out more about his musical journey so far, his second album Soliloquy and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with ReeToxA below.
Can you take us back to 1997, what was happening in your life when you first started writing ‘Soliloquy’?
The year before I had been kicked out of school. I went back to school in 1997 and my year 12 English teacher mrs Clarke taught us what soliloquy ment ! I thought that’s the perfect name for my second album. The first album was full but I couldn’t afford to record it.
What originally inspired the concept behind the album?
My mate Brad asked to join the band so I thought it should be a double album so he could have some songs too.
Why did you decide to put the project on hold back then?
Life just got in the way and I turned 18 and we all started going to clubs and pubs. If I had a Time Machine I would have moved to a share house on the north side and really got into the band.
How did it feel revisiting those early ideas decades later during the pandemic?
I was blown away reading my old diaries of how good the songs were. It was bittersweet, I feel I could have really made it back in the 90’s when I was skinny and had hair!
What made the pandemic the right moment to finally complete ‘Soliloquy’?
I was about to record my first album when covid hit. Instead of polishing the demos I was inspired to finish soliloquy!
How much of the original material stayed intact, and how much evolved over time?
Only bottle made it from 1997. Jade eyes and purple vein were written in the early 2000’s. Most were inspired by me reflecting on my life. What were the key stories that shaped me!
Did reconnecting with your younger self’s writing change how you approached finishing the songs?
Yeah back then I thought I had all the time in the world. No one told me life goes quick.
How did writing about your life shape the tone and honesty of the record?
I am an honest person maturely with a kind delivery.
Were there any songs that were particularly difficult to finish or revisit emotionally?
Gown was very tough, and jaded eyes. Both deal with suicide. Timor Leste felt like I had pstd writing about my nay days.
How do you feel this album compares to your previous work as ReeToxA?
I could have put out soliloquy first but I knew there would be many lessons recoding my first album pines salad. I was right and the experience and bonding with the artists, producer and engineers helped make soliloquy more special.
What do you hope listeners discover about you as an artist when they hear the new album?
I hope we get enough momentum to get signed. Running Reetoxa is a full time job and we haven’t even toured yet. I need some help!
Looking back, would you change anything about how the album came together?
I wouldn’t change a thing. It was a magical experience.
Now that ‘Soliloquy’ is complete, what’s next in the story of ReeToxA?
Time to tour, and I’m working on the third record.
Listen to Soliloquy below
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