Soliloquy is the epic new double album from ReeToxA, that was written and compiled during covid.
The album features 17 tracks, such as ‘REETOXA’ that instantly grabs our attention with vibrant and stirring guitar riffs, lively vocals and lyrics that have a coming of age vibe to them.
‘INSATIABLE’ has a more up tempo and energetic vibe to it, thanks to outstanding rock melodies.
ReeToxA then leads us to ‘BOTTLE,’ which delivers catchy and up-tempo rock beats and moving lyrics.
‘THRIFT SHOP DRESS’ reflects upon the mesmerizing tale of an enchanting garment, with descriptive lyrics that flow perfectly around a gentler and slower tempo.
‘THE LISA SONG’ has a smoother vibe to it, due in part to the beautiful piano arrangement as ReeToxA gives life to loving lyrics that pay tribute to the delightfully wonderful Lisa.
‘GOWN’ has a semi sombre vibe to it, with a slower tempo and the tone of the instrumental melodies but the track also has a cinematic aesthetic within its arrangement.
‘JOSEPHINE’ is a truly beautiful and uplifting track with joyous melodies and lively instrumentals from ReeToxA.
‘ALCOHOL 2’ has quite the melancholy feel to it but in a positive and radiant manner, with outstanding harmonies and a smooth soundscape.
‘ERICA AND THE STAR’ begins with a poignant and gentle soundscape from ReeToxA that gently flows alongside his slow vocals that reflect upon life alongside soulful melodies.
‘STARE AT THE SEA’ radiates with a beautiful melody and gentle vocals, as Jason conjures up a wonderfully descriptive ode to nature.
‘LOVE KEEPS BURNING STILL’ sees ReeToxA serve up mellow vibes, thanks to a gentle piano arrangement and moving lyrics as he delivers this truly heartfelt tale.
‘DRESS ME UP’ has more of a 80s/90s feel to it, thanks to the lively synth soundscape and catchy instrumental hooks throughout.
‘WAR KILLER’ has a heavier and grittier tone with it, as ReeToxa relies more on bass tones to change the overall vibe of this track in comparison to the rest of the album.
From album concept to production credits
The second album has also been produced by Simon Moro and mastered by Simon Moro.
Featuring Kit Riley on Bass (Robbie Williams / Savage Garden / Ross Wilson), Peter Marin on Drums (Jet / Ross Wilson), James Ryan (Men at work / Ryan Wilson), Jessica McPherson-Riley on back up vocals and Terry Hart on Piano.
Jason McKee is the lead singer, music composer and lyric writer.
Soliloquy started in 1997 as Jason McKee had enough songs for his first album.
‘GIRLS ROCK’ sees ReeToxa unveil catchy rock melodies with visuals that perfectly match the theme of the lyrics.
The choreography helps complete the intended aesthetic of this anthemic track as the album slowly winds to a close.
The birth of Soliloquy
At the tender age of 17 he decided he needed a new canvas to push his song writing to the limits.
Inspired by his English Literature teacher Mrs Clarke’s explanation of Shakespeare he adopted the moniker “Soliloquy.”
Unfortunately life got in the way and the project was put on ice.
After meeting a girl named Lisa who asked to hear a song at the forum theatre at a Spiderbait gig,
Jason was embarrassed to not have anything but rough voice notes to show her, this inspired him to quit his music degree so he could focus on recording the album and also to start the band properly.
The making of the album
Jason met Simon Moro at RMIT and decided he was best to produce the project. They were scheduled to record the first album but the global pandemic hit and Melbourne was locked down for years.
Instead of polishing and practising the first album, Jason started Soliloquy again and on a diet of cigarettes and coffee with minimal sleep he went through his life work and also started writing about his life experiences.
The album sent him so insane that he ended up in hospital for six weeks.
Soliloquy is a step back to the days where you sit down and listed to the whole album, participating in a journey that will challenge every memory and emotion you have.
It features a European orchestra from Budapest on six songs which will flaw and amaze the most strident of listeners.
Please pour your favourite beverage, put on your best headphones and let Jason McKee and Melbourne’s finest music crew take you on an epic journey.
Surely it will go down as Australia’s best independent album of the year, maybe the world.
