Reetoxa’s Soliloquy isn’t the kind of album you casually throw on in the background. It demands time, attention, and honestly… a bit of emotional stamina. Led by Jason McKee, this double album feels like a life unpacked in real time, messy, intense, and deeply personal.
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The story behind it already sets the tone. A concept dating back to 1997, paused by life, then reshaped during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Soliloquy carries that restless, almost obsessive energy. You can hear it in the writing, these songs don’t feel rushed or forced; they feel lived-in.
The album moves between indie rock, orchestral pop, and stripped-back storytelling. The addition of a European orchestra (notably recorded in Budapest) elevates key moments, giving tracks a cinematic edge that hits harder when paired with the rawness of Jason’s vocals. Production from Simon Moro keeps everything cohesive, even as the album jumps between moods.
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With 26 tracks, it’s not about quick hits, it’s about immersion. Songs like “The Lisa Song” and “You Deserve Better Than Me” feel painfully honest, while others like “War Killer” and “Schitzo Waltz” push into more experimental territory. There’s love, regret, chaos, clarity, sometimes all in the same stretch. Soliloquy feels like one of those rare projects where the artist gave everything, even at personal cost. It’s not polished to perfection, and that’s exactly why it works.
Track Highlights (Quick Takes):
- “REETOXA” – A brief but symbolic opener, setting the tone with a raw introduction into Jason’s world.
- “INSATIABLE” – Urgent and restless, capturing desire that never really settles.
- “AKAROA” – Expansive and atmospheric, one of the tracks where the orchestral elements shine.
- “BOTTLE” – A grounded, introspective moment dealing with habits and escape.
- “DANCING WITH LOU” – Light on the surface, but there’s nostalgia underneath.
- “THRIFT SHOP DRESS” – Storytelling at its best—detailed, visual, and quietly emotional.
- “THE LISA SONG” – Personal and reflective, tied to a real turning point in Jason’s life.
- “GOWN” – Soft, almost fragile, with a focus on vulnerability.
- “TRUCE” – A moment of pause, like emotional breathing space.
- “JOSEPHINE” – Character-driven, adding depth to the album’s narrative feel.
- “JADE EYES” – Dreamy and melodic, leaning into softer textures.
- “ALCOHOL 2” – Raw and unfiltered, continuing themes of coping and excess.
- “DEMAND PERFECTION” – Tense and self-critical, one of the album’s more intense moments.
- “ERICA AND THE STARS” – Expansive, almost cinematic storytelling.
- “TIMOR LESTE” – One of the most powerful tracks, blending global awareness with personal reflection.
- “STARE AT THE SEA” – Calm but heavy, like quiet introspection.
- “SCHITZO WALTZ” – Experimental, unpredictable, and slightly chaotic.
- “LOVE KEEPS BURNING STILL” – A reminder that emotion doesn’t fade easily.
- “YOU DESERVE BETTER THAN ME” – One of the most emotionally direct songs here.
- “PURPLE VEIN” – Short but striking, leaving a lingering impression.
- “DRESS ME UP” – Playful but layered with deeper meaning.
- “WAR KILLER” – Bold and confrontational, stepping into heavier themes.
- “GIRLS ROCK” – A burst of energy, breaking the tension slightly.
- “WAKE UP LUCY” – Urgent and expressive, pushing narrative forward.
- “STRONG” – A slow build into resilience.
- “ALRIGHT” – A fitting closer, not overly neat, but offering some sense of closure.
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