EP Review : Reetoxa "Double A Side 2 (Akaroa / Erica And The Stars)"
Reetoxa’s Double
A Side 2 (Akaroa / Erica And The Stars) is a two-track release built around
memory, loss, imagination, and the remarkable ability of music to give shape to
experiences that are difficult to explain. Melbourne-based singer-songwriter
Jason Mckee approaches both songs from deeply personal territory, but the music
itself remains open enough for listeners to connect with the emotions beyond
the stories.
“Akaroa” is
the more intimate of the two tracks, establishing its character through melodic
guitar work and a steady rock rhythm. There is a gentle, almost floating
quality to the arrangement, but the song never loses its sense of movement. The
guitar provides much of its personality, gradually building toward a memorable
solo that adds an expressive instrumental dimension without disturbing the
track’s reflective mood. Knowing that the song originated from a vivid dream
and remained unfinished until Mckee later visited Akaroa in New Zealand adds
another fascinating layer to the music. The result feels naturally mysterious
rather than deliberately obscure, with the arrangement leaving enough space for
the listener to absorb its atmosphere.
“Erica And The Stars” takes a considerably larger approach. Here, Reetoxa expands its rock foundation with the Budapest Orchestra, creating a broad, cinematic soundscape. Strings, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals work together to give the track a sense of scale, while Mckee’s vocal remains central to the composition. The orchestration never feels like an unnecessary decoration; instead, it becomes an essential part of the song’s identity. There is a strong contrast between the vulnerability of its origins and the expansive production of the finished recording.
And for
those who might wonder whether Jason is using AI to create music, I can only
say: no, Jason is a creative machine—and a machine that produces quality. This
EP is another proof of it. We have been following Reetoxa for three years now
and have reviewed almost every release, so this is not a conclusion based on a
single listen. There is a consistency in the songwriting, musicianship, and
ambition that has been evident throughout the journey.
The
musicianship here is another major strength. With contributions from
experienced players including James Ryan, Peter Martin, Kit Riley, Terry Hart,
and Jessica McPherson-Riley, Mckee’s songwriting is supported by an
accomplished ensemble. The karaoke versions also offer an interesting
opportunity to appreciate the arrangements from a more instrumental
perspective.
Ultimately,
Double A Side 2 succeeds through contrast. “Akaroa” is intimate and
enigmatic, while “Erica And The Stars” is expansive and orchestral. Together,
they present Reetoxa as an artist who continues to transform difficult personal
experiences into thoughtful, melodic, and genuinely crafted music.
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