There’s a moment about halfway through Pines Salad—somewhere between a thunderous drum fill and a line that punches you in the gut—when it hits you: this isn’t just a debut album. This is the sound of thirty years’ worth of lived-in stories finally getting their moment to breathe. ReeToxA, the moniker of Melbourne’s Jason McKee, isn’t offering up a polished, market-perfect product here. What he’s serving is raw, heartfelt, and occasionally unhinged—like a mixtape from a lifelong friend who’s seen too much but never stopped hoping.
The album opens with a bang, but one of its biggest emotional punches comes from the standout track Bobbie. It’s heavy with grief, carved out of the loss of McKee’s mother during a dark period in his life. You can feel the weight in every syllable he sings—there’s pain, confusion, but also tenderness. It’s a cathartic anthem wrapped in distortion, and it sets the tone for what this album really is: emotional excavation set to the tune of ‘90s grit with modern bones.
Another absolute gem is Amber, where McKee delivers one of his favorite lines: “I feel like a donkey in a thoroughbred show.” It’s funny, sad, and deeply human—capturing the awkwardness of being the odd one out in a world that demands perfection. This track has a looser, more nostalgic feel, like something you’d hear crackling through your older cousin’s Walkman in 1997, but with smarter lyrics and richer instrumentation. It’s a perfect example of McKee’s storytelling gift—simple words, big impact.
In Alcohol, McKee delves into the complexities of coping mechanisms. The song’s candid lyrics and gritty guitar riffs paint a vivid picture of the struggles associated with substance use. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at personal battles, delivered with sincerity and musical prowess.
Humbug brings a lighter, more playful energy to the album. With its catchy hooks and witty lyrics, the track offers a satirical take on societal norms and personal quirks. It’s a refreshing contrast to the heavier themes explored in other songs, showcasing McKee’s versatility as an artist.
Pines Salad is chaotic, thoughtful, funny, and deeply personal. It’s got dirt under its fingernails and poetry in its bones. The production, led by Simon Moro and bolstered by top-tier Aussie talent, makes sure every moment counts—from the punchy basslines of Kit Riley to the seasoned drumwork of Peter Marin. But make no mistake: this is McKee’s world. And he’s inviting you to sit down, roll a metaphorical joint (or not), and get lost in it.
In an era where everything feels over-polished, Pines Salad is a reminder of the beauty in imperfection. It’s not just music—it’s memory, mischief, and the messy magic of growing up and not having it all figured out. This debut might be thirty years in the making, but it was worth every minute.