Swiispa

Music Blog, Reviews, Rising Stars & Superstars

This 26-Track Album by Reetoxa Might Be the Wildest Drop of 2026

Melbourne artist Jason McKee just dropped something that is honestly pretty insane in the best way possible. His band, Reetoxa, released a double album called “Soliloquy”, and it is a massive 26-track monster that was nearly thirty years in the making.

 

Jason actually started this concept back in 1997 when he was just seventeen. He was sitting in an English class listening to his teacher talk about Shakespeare, heard the word “soliloquy,” and decided that was his vibe. Life got in the way, as it usually does, but then the pandemic hit and Melbourne went into lockdown. Instead of baking bread like everyone else, Jason lived on coffee and cigarettes, went through every song he ever wrote, and drove himself so hard to finish this that he actually ended up in the hospital for six weeks. That is the kind of commitment you just don’t see anymore.

The album is a total trip. He brought in a full European orchestra for six of the songs, which makes the whole thing feel like a big-budget movie. He also has guys who played for Jet and Men at Work helping out, so the playing is top-tier.

It kicks off with “REETOXA” and “INSATIABLE”, which really set the stage for how big this record is. By the time you get to “AKAROA” and “BOTTLE”, you can tell this is an album meant for long drives or sitting in a dark room with good headphones. “DANCING WITH LOU” and “THRIFT SHOP DRESS” have these great storytelling moments that feel very personal.

On DANCING WITH LOU; You can feel this one has a great groove that feels like a nod to that classic Melbourne rock sound. It’s got a bit of a strut to it. You can tell Jason was having fun with the lyrics here—it’s witty and a little bit gritty. The rhythm section, with guys from Jet and Savage Garden, really keeps this one moving. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to move, but the lyrics keep you thinking about who “Lou” actually is.

One of the big highlights is “THE LISA SONG”. Apparently, meeting a girl named Lisa at a gig was the kick in the pants Jason needed to stop making voice notes and actually record his music. It’s followed by “GOWN” and “TRUCE”, which keep that emotional momentum going. There is so much variety here. You’ve got tracks like “ALCOHOL 2” and “DEMAND PERFECTION” that feel raw, and then things like “TIMOR LESTE” and STARE AT THE SEA that feel much more expansive.

On “STARE AT THE SEA“, you realize it’s a massive, sweeping track that feels as big as the ocean. It captures that feeling of sitting on the coast and feeling very small compared to the world. It’s one of the more introspective moments on the record. If you’re wearing good headphones, you can really hear the depth of the strings against Jason’s vocals. It’s beautiful and a little bit heartbreaking.

Now this track LOVE KEEPS BURNING STILL feels like the emotional center of the second half of the album. It’s a song about persistence and not giving up, which makes total sense given how long Jason fought to get this music out. The melody is super catchy, but there’s an underlying sadness to it that makes it feel real. It doesn’t feel like a Hallmark card; it feels like someone who has been through the fire and is still standing. “SCHITZO WALTZ” is as wild as it sounds, and by the time you reach the end with “STRONG” and “ALRIGHT”, you feel like you’ve really been through it with him.

After 26 songs of absolute emotional chaos, “ALRIGHT” is the perfect way to land the plane. It’s a simple, hopeful conclusion. It feels like a long, deep breath after a marathon. It doesn’t promise that everything is perfect, just that things are going to be okay. Ending such a massive, intense album with this kind of quiet confidence was a smart move. It leaves you feeling like the journey was worth it.

It’s a huge, messy, beautiful piece of work. It’s rare to find an independent artist in Australia—or anywhere—aiming this high. It’s meant to be heard from start to finish, so grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for a journey that covers every emotion you’ve ever had. Enjoy More From Reetoxa here;

Web Facebook X Tiktok YouTube Instagram

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *