Emerging from the vibrant creative hub of Naarm/Melbourne, ReeToxA is the musical identity of Jason McKee, a seasoned songwriter whose journey began back in 1995 when he was just 15 years old. Rooted in the raw, grungy ethos of Kurt Cobain and later nuanced by the polished pop sensibilities of Taylor Swift, ReeToxA has been quietly perfecting this craft for nearly three decades.
Released on March 31st, 2025, “Pines Salad” is more than just a debut, it’s a time capsule, a mission statement, and a celebration of persistence. Spanning 14 tracks handpicked from over 30 years of songwriting, the album is a gritty, heart-on-sleeve exploration of sound and story. Produced by Australian studio heavyweight Simon Moro, the album shines with the polish of seasoned professionalism and the unfiltered soul of a lifelong passion project. With a star-studded lineup; Kit Riley (Michael Bublé, Savage Garden) on bass, James Ryan (King Canyon) on guitar, and Peter Marin (Jet) on drums, the soundscape is as rich as it is emotionally charged.
From the jump, “Pines Salad” makes clear it isn’t playing by industry rules. Its cheeky title, a nod to Frankston slang for a bag of weed, signals ReeToxA’s flair for both authenticity and wit. Lyrically, the album is a confessional diary that oscillates between deeply introspective moments and biting social commentary. There’s an unmistakable ‘90s DNA running through the veins of each track; grunge-inflected guitars, raw vocal takes, and that glorious angst that refuses to age. But there’s also a modern edge here, a sense of clarity and structure reminiscent of artists like Olivia Rodrigo, making the album feel fresh rather than fossilized.
Pines Salad Album Track List:
Amber:
“Amber” stands out on “Pines Salad” as a stormy, high-octane statement piece that encapsulates ReeToxA’s knack for balancing chaos with control. From its opening seconds, the track hits like a punch to the chest, biting drums and snarling guitars instantly plunge the listener into a grunge-laced atmosphere. There’s a tension that hums beneath the surface, like something barely contained, and that uneasy energy drives the song forward. It’s a masterclass in dynamic rock songwriting, where every instrument has weight and presence, yet never overshadows the emotional pulse at the center.
At the heart of “Amber” is ReeToxA’s vocal performance, smooth, familiar, but brimming with emotional depth. He delivers lines like “I feel like a donkey in a thoroughbred show” with a sense of vulnerability that cuts through the distortion. It’s a lyric that captures the album’s overarching themes of alienation and self-doubt, painting a vivid picture of someone out of place, yet defiant in their discomfort. This blend of raw honesty and poetic edge gives “Amber” a deeply relatable quality, making it more than just a loud rock track, it’s a personal confession set to distortion pedals and drum fills.
The production on “Amber” is clean yet visceral, elevating the song’s gritty instrumentation without sanding off its rough edges. The interplay between the crashing drums and crunchy guitar riffs creates an ebb-and-flow effect, mimicking emotional waves. It’s that push and pull that makes “Amber” so compelling: it’s not just noise, it’s noise with narrative. And in that narrative, ReeToxA cements his place as not only a skilled songwriter but a deeply expressive performer unafraid to turn personal struggle into sonic fire.
Bobbie:
“Bobbie” is one of the most emotionally resonant moments on “Pines Salad”, offering a deeply personal glimpse into ReeToxA’s inner world. As a tribute to his late mother, the track carries the weight of grief, regret, and longing with striking vulnerability. Written during a painful chapter of his life, while he was incarcerated for six months, it captures the raw ache of losing someone you love when you’re unable to be there. The lyrics, aching and direct, are delivered with a vocal performance that feels more like a cathartic release than a studio take. It’s this unfiltered honesty that gives “Bobbie” its emotional potency.
The instrumentation in “Bobbie” is minimalist by design, allowing ReeToxA’s voice and lyrics to remain front and center. The sparse arrangement doesn’t detract from the song’s impact, it enhances it. Subtle guitar lines and gentle rhythms form a quiet but sturdy backdrop, creating space for the story to breathe. This restraint showcases ReeToxA’s songwriting maturity, as he resists the urge to dramatize the grief with bombast, opting instead for sincerity and intimacy. The blend of stripped-back sound and poignant lyrics makes the track feel like a private moment shared with the listener.
The accompanying music video further amplifies the emotional tone of “Bobbie.” Visually serene yet emotionally turbulent, it features a lone figure walking and singing the lyrics, embodying the isolation and reflection that defines the track. It’s a simple yet powerful visual metaphor for mourning and memory, reinforcing the themes without distraction. With polished production that never sterilizes the rawness, “Bobbie” becomes a quiet triumph, one that highlights ReeToxA’s ability to turn personal pain into art that resonates universally. It’s a standout not only for its emotional depth but for its fearless authenticity.
Jody:
“Jody” is a standout track on “Pines Salad” that highlights ReeToxA’s gift for subtle emotional storytelling. The song opens with a calm, melodic foundation that immediately draws the listener into an atmosphere of reflection and quiet vulnerability. The gentle instrumentation, paired with a steady beat, creates a soothing backdrop for what becomes a deeply personal narrative. When ReeToxA’s vocals enter, they do so with a soft, emotive presence, each line delivered with sincerity and emotional clarity, setting the tone for a track that feels like an open journal entry set to music.
As “Jody” unfolds, the instrumentation gradually builds, introducing rhythmic layers that add emotional weight without overwhelming the core intimacy of the track. This subtle evolution mirrors the emotional journey within the song, as themes of introspection and self-discovery come to the surface. The vocals remain a central force, anchoring the listener with their rawness and relatability. The blend between the steady beat and evolving instrumentation is seamless, reinforcing ReeToxA’s ability to craft songs that develop naturally, pulling the listener in deeper with every verse and chorus.
The production on “Jody” is crisp and polished, allowing each element; from the delicate melodies to the expressive vocal delivery to shine. But it’s the emotional atmosphere that truly elevates the track. Calm yet gripping, “Jody” carries a quiet intensity, its vibe one of quiet reckoning and emotional release. There’s a haunting beauty in how it captures the internal landscapes of vulnerability, connection, and the slow, painful process of understanding oneself. It’s another powerful example of ReeToxA’s strength as a storyteller, one who doesn’t just write songs, but shares pieces of his soul in every note.
Call:
“Call,” the final track on “Pines Salad”, brings the album to a deeply introspective and emotional close. Opening with a gentle, captivating melody, the song immediately sets a reflective tone, inviting the listener into one last moment of vulnerability and connection. ReeToxA’s vocal performance is tender and sincere, delivered with a raw authenticity that underscores the personal nature of the lyrics. It’s a song that feels like an open letter, unhurried, heartfelt, and quietly powerful in its emotional honesty.
The instrumentation in “Call” is understated but purposeful, allowing the song’s emotional weight to take center stage. A steady beat anchors the track, while rhythmic flourishes subtly add depth as it progresses. The dynamic between voice and arrangement is seamless, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. There’s a sense of emotional layering here, where each note and lyric builds upon the last to create a cumulative impact. ReeToxA’s gift for storytelling truly shines, as he navigates themes of longing, closure, and quiet resolve with grace and precision.
As a closing track, “Call” serves its purpose with poetic finality. Its calm, contemplative energy wraps the album in a soft exhale, offering listeners a sense of resolution without losing the raw emotion that characterizes the rest of Pines Salad. The polished production ensures that every detail is clear and resonant, but it’s the emotional afterglow that lingers. “Call” doesn’t shout for attention, it gently holds it, leaving a lasting impression that mirrors the album’s journey: personal, vulnerable, and undeniably human.
Instrumentally, “Pines Salad” is a full-course experience. Crunchy guitars and driving rhythms form the backbone of the more aggressive tracks, while subtle string arrangements and layered textures add depth to the softer moments. The production enhances rather than overshadows, providing a clean, punchy sound that gives each song room to breathe. Vocally, the album delivers a performance that’s rich in vulnerability. There’s a lived-in quality to the vocal performance, like someone who’s been carrying these songs for years, waiting for the right moment to release them.
What truly stands out is the emotional arc of the album. The dynamics are expertly handled, never jarring, always purposeful. One moment, you’re swimming in melancholy reflection; the next, you’re swept into a storm of sonic energy. Yet through it all, there’s an unmistakable cohesion, every track feels like a different chapter in the same story. That story is one of patience, self-discovery, and finally, release. “Pines Salad” is not just a testament to ReeToxA’s songwriting chops, it’s a celebration of creative endurance. It’s for anyone who’s ever sat on a dream for too long, wondering if it would ever be realized. And now that it has been, it’s a gift to all of us.
For more information about ReeToxA, click on the icons below.