“DOUBLE A SIDE (STRONG / TRUCE) By ReeToxA

Some songs entertain, while others leave a lasting emotional imprint. Melbourne alternative rock artist ReeToxA, the musical project of songwriter Jason McKee, delivers the latter with his powerful double A-side single “Strong / Truce.” Lifted from his ambitious 26-track autobiographical project Soliloquy, these two songs offer an honest reflection of survival, forgiveness, heartbreak, and resilience. Backed by acclaimed producer Simon Moro and an impressive lineup featuring Peter Marin (Jet), James Ryan (Men At Work), Kit Riley, and engineer Luke Crouch, the release successfully blends the grit of 90s alternative rock with polished modern production. The single is now available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Bandcamp, and most major digital streaming platforms.

The opening emotional weight comes from “Truce,” a deeply reflective song that continues the story introduced in ReeToxA’s previous release, “Gown.” Inspired by Jason McKee’s near-fatal overdose and the spiritual experience that followed, the song doesn’t offer easy redemption. Instead, it explores the difficult process of forgiveness while acknowledging that some emotional battles require more time to heal. The haunting atmosphere is enhanced by restrained instrumentation, allowing the lyrics to carry the narrative without distraction. The result is a moving alternative rock anthem that captures vulnerability without sacrificing musical strength. The production maintains a rich, nostalgic character reminiscent of the 1990s while remaining fresh enough to resonate with today’s listeners.

If “Truce” reflects on healing, “Strong” captures the difficult journey of rebuilding. Written during a period when Jason was piecing his life back together in a small Southbank apartment, the song paints a vivid picture of emotional conflict following divorce, financial uncertainty, and personal growth. There is remarkable sincerity in the songwriting, particularly as it explores the guilt of moving forward while still carrying emotional scars. The steady rhythm section, expressive guitar work, and heartfelt vocal performance combine to create a song that feels intimate yet universally relatable. It is easy to understand why producer Simon Moro and many of the musicians involved considered “Strong” one of the hidden gems within “Soliloquy.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of this release lies in its recording process. Rather than simply recording vocals, Simon Moro challenged Jason McKee to mentally revisit the exact emotional moments in which each song had originally been written before stepping behind the microphone. That commitment to authenticity is evident throughout both tracks. Every vocal carries genuine emotion, while the instrumentation remains tastefully restrained, giving the stories room to breathe. The legendary Avenue Studio in Cheltenham provided the perfect environment to capture performances that feel both polished and deeply personal. These songs are not simply recordings; they are emotional documents preserved through music.

Shout-out to Jason McKee, Simon Moro, Peter Marin, James Ryan, Kit Riley, Luke Crouch, and the entire ReeToxA team for creating music that embraces honesty over perfection. In an era where many artists chase trends, ReeToxA stands apart by allowing personal experience to guide the songwriting. “Double A Side (Strong / Truce)” reminds listeners that some of the most impactful music comes from lived experience, vulnerability, and perseverance. Whether you’re a longtime fan of alternative rock or simply appreciate meaningful storytelling, this release deserves a place on your playlist. Music Mingle proudly recommends “Double A Side (Strong / Truce)” as another outstanding chapter in ReeToxA’s remarkable musical journey and looks forward to hearing what comes next from this talented Australian artist.

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Written by Manuel