“YOU” By ReeToxA

ReeToxA, a Melbourne-based rock band, has released a new single, "YOU," which can now be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, and more. The track is evocative, taking listeners on a wave of intense feelings and nostalgic sentiments. Under the command of “Jason McKee,” better known as ReeToxA, the band attempts to reclaim the spirit of '90s rock by using the rawness of heartbreak while packing a sonic punch. “YOU,” the eleventh track of the “Pines Salad” album, stands out both thematically and musically while reminding connoisseurs of rock why emotionally charged tunes will always be timeless.

The song begins with a set of guitar riffs competing in echo, creating a setting that is fierce but melancholic at the same time. The post-grunge and alt-rock influences from decades ago shine through the aura of the arrangement, laced with a protective modern production edge thanks to Simon Moro, one of the most respected engineers in Melbourne. His clean and dynamic mixing style is complemented by the precision of his captures for each instrument, which breathes, keeping the emotional epicenter front and center. The song delivers regret, finality, and an emotional release through the sincerity in McKee’s vocals, blending tenderness and grit.

McKee’s divorce serves as the genesis from which the track “YOU” was born out of personal chaos. In almost every form of expression, there is always some untamed suffering, and in you, that suffering stems from a sobering realization that cuts deep, a relationship is over. Unlike most break-up songs, where the sentiments revolve around losing someone, this somehow offers empowerment instead of tragedy. It does, however, allow for a burst of catharsis in the catchy chorus, which, unlike most songs, is bound to stay stuck in your head and to be belted out whether you're driving, taking a shower, or just after the song has ended. The narrative of loss told here does lend itself to immediacy, but only to allow listeners to cope with heartbreak in a way that makes them feel a bit less alone.

As far as their stand on nostalgia instrumentally goes, it is clear in this last release that ReeToxA is not riding the breakevolution; they are remaking it. The expressive guitar work is bound to toe tapping with its alternating between melodic fills that are reminiscent of the song's emotions and crunchy rhythm riffs. Within it, the tight, punchy drums along with the bass that subtly holds the rhythm support it all. When all is said and done, this is the type of musicianship seasoned bands boast of, and few do it with as much authenticity as ReeToxA does in this age of alt-rock. The song “YOU” becomes uniquely special with its duality…it is simultaneously a breakup rock song. It

captures the feeling of sadness, but it does not sulk. There is a sense of pain as well as strength. That equilibrium is what propels this single into an earworm in the best way possible, the kind that sinks into your head and doesn’t leave. As part of “Pines Salad,” “YOU” is an emotional centerpiece track that enhances the spirit of the album, ‘Salad’, that takes listeners through a rollercoaster ride of diverse, raw, and emotional tunes.

ReeToxA certainly does not shy away from showcasing its potential when it delivers a memorable experience. “YOU” is more than a song; It is an emotion-filled rock song that can be chanted by the broken-hearted. For those seeking nostalgia with a touch of depth, this track serves as a great example of how rock can evolve while retaining its essence. ‘Shout-out to “Jason Mckee” and the full crew of ReeToxA, you’ve certainly knocked it out of the park with “YOU”.