If grunge had a love child with Aussie pub rock and raised it on sharp wit, emotional bruises, and lyrical left hooks, the result would be Pines Salad. The debut album from ReeToxA, Melbourne’s Jason McKee, is a raw, unapologetic collection of 14 tracks that hits like a punch and sticks like a scar. Thirty years in the making, the album feels like something both deeply lived-in and freshly unearthed, echoing the charm of lost ‘90s demos but elevated with modern polish courtesy of producer Simon Moro and contributions from some of Australia’s top musicians.
The album kicks off with “Alcohol,” a slow-burning mood piece that sets the emotional tone early. It’s all smouldering guitar lines and smoky vocals, evoking images of rain-slicked streets and inner turmoil. Then there’s “HMAS Cerberus,” a track that rolls in on a gritty groove and reads like a confessional told across a sticky bar table. And just when you think you’ve got the sound figured out, “Papa Loves Ladyboys” surprises with a gentle intro that blooms into something unexpectedly melodic, adding another layer to McKee’s unpredictable storytelling.
There’s a clear influence from the greats, Nirvana’s rawness, Pearl Jam’s gravitas, but McKee carves out his own space by threading in the confessional vulnerability of Elliott Smith and even the pop-smart, sly edge of Olivia Rodrigo. What results is a sound that’s emotionally heavy and sneakily catchy. It’s messy in all the right ways: heartfelt without being precious, and rough-edged without losing musical clarity.
“Pines Salad” plays like a scrapbook of chaos and clarity, moments of heartbreak, rage, humour, and deep reflection captured in lo-fi snapshots and amplified by blistering guitar work. The album doesn’t try to be perfect, and that’s what makes it magnetic. McKee’s voice is authentic, literally and artistically, which can’t be faked. This is a distillation of decades of lived experience, split across 14 tracks with zero filter.
Whether you’re a fan of ‘90s alt-rock, modern grunge revival, or just looking for something that feels real in a world of polish, “Pines Salad” delivers. It’s moody, melodic, and rough around the edges—in the best way possible. Give it a spin on Spotify, and prepare to get hooked on the sound of emotional honesty wrapped in fuzzed-out riffs and pub rock grit.
For more information, follow ReeToxA:
SPOTIFY
