"AMBER" By ReeToxA

By Mariam Jibril

“Amber” by ReeToxA is perhaps the most unique release of the year for the juxtaposing feelings it promotes. The track is a perfect combination of the raw 90's grit and Australian pub rock while also feeling nostalgically new and alive. It was first written as a love poem by the Melbourne-based songwriter ReeToxA (Jason McKee) over 30 years ago, in 1995. However, after a love poem, it has now become a fully realised recorded single. The reason the track is so captivating is because of the emotion ReeToxA recorded with. One can imagine themself being the teenage version of ReeToxA, trying to work through the mental mess that is confusion, the heartbreak, and the betrayal of someone who was talked down to by another. After being recorded in modern production, the song is as heavy and deeply emotional as it was 30 years ago to the same people, with a clarity that makes it alive again.

"Amber" begins with gritty guitars and thick distortion associated with the early work of Seattle's Nirvana and the Pixies, who helped shape ReeToxA's musical beginnings. Instead of trying to copy the sound as many revivalist tracks do, ReeToxA adds a very specific Australian rock sound. The drums are punchy, and the guitars are mixed in clean. The whole arrangement feels like a crowded Melbourne pub on a Friday night. It feels very live-drum and real, and the modern production makes the below-the-knees elements of the song even more alive. It feels like coordinated chaos.

Given how vulnerable and relatable the lyrics of this song are, Jason’s writing style shines once more and captures the emotional honesty of writing about personal loss or romantic turmoil. When Jason sings, “I feel like a donkey in a thoroughbred show,” it perfectly encapsulates the insecurity and outsider mindset of a young man scorned. This line is both personal and intriguing, and sticks in the listener’s memory. At the end of the song, the listener is given the main idea of the song in the lyrics, “Don’t follow the crowd, follow your heart,” and the song’s message becomes clear, as do its main values. This is especially relevant in today’s day and age, where societal norms and social acceptability can often overpower the real truth. What makes this so relatable is how real and unfiltered the writing is that the listener is easily able to understand the emotional turmoil that inspired this song.

Grit and conviction are traits ReeToxA possesses. His voice has just the right amount of roughness and clarity, adding to the lived-in, qualitative essence of the song and its origins. Over-polishing and sounding perfect was not the goal, but rather an intentional delivery of each word to match the song’s emotional core. ReeToxA's voice confidently rides the production of Australian Simon Moro, who brings depth and authenticity without sacrificing the production to the driving guitars and explosive rhythm section. Modern enough to stand against recently released alternative grunge, but still true to the genre’s spirit, it’s cohesive and dynamic.

"Amber" isn’t just another track; it’s history in the making. Among the fourteen tracks on ReeToxA’s debut album, "Amber" is the blistering and bold third track. For ardent lovers of the genre, “Amber” continues the spark of track three’s passion and storytelling. “Amber” serves as a pinnacle for McKee in capturing the lyricism, the storytelling prowess, and the deep evocation of memory. Whether you are in this for the long haul or just a first-time starter, "Amber" is a fiery testament to a track that holds to its history.

If you are in the mood for a track quietly reflecting, “Amber” is a call to action, a song to listen to. Its energy is timeless, its message evergreen, and above all, it has honesty at its center. Go grab it on any platform, and for those who love music in its physical format, it’s on Bandcamp, so direct your support to the artist. Streams are to be enjoyed loudly, so revisit this track often, and share it purposefully.