Tony Lio – Kaleidoscope (2022)
Raised on a diverse range of musical genres from soul to indie and rock to pop, US-based singer-songwriter Tony Lio cannot be pigeon-holed. This is my introduction to Tony Lio, but he is already making a name for himself across the globe with coverage from FV Music Blog, Qalt Magazine, UK Independent, Illustrate Magazine, and various playlists. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Kaleidoscope’.
Following his well-received four-track EP Chaotic Desires, ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a passionate, powerful and full-bodied song from this natural talent. Tony Lio explains that he “…wanted to create something that had a psychedelic feeling to it…something that was brighter and full of desire that’s greater than anything you could imagine…” ‘Kaleidoscope’ brings a nostalgic synth-pop tinge to modern-day indie-rock, so you have a feeling of the 80s but with a contemporary edginess to the sound. I could say there is a reminiscence to Soundgarden, Oasis or The Verve, but then again, Tony Lio is indescribable (although I do try my best).
Soft, soothing and smooth, this new single is a step away from the brasher, more rock-inspired songs on Chaotic Desires. The moving guitars flow elegantly with Lio’s dulcet vocals creating a melodic, harmonic blast of music. Yet, while there is a transcendental psychedelic ambience to the arrangement, a powerful guitar solo hits you in the head bringing a boldness to ‘Kaleidoscope’.
So, what do I think of Tony Lio’s ‘Kaleidoscope’? To use a terrible pun, ‘Kaleidoscope’ is kaleidoscopic but evokes a simplistic sense of sentimentality in the listener. On his official website, Lio has the quote “I’m not the best but I’m not the worst” – he’s no Liam Gallagher, but he’s way up the ranks in my book.
For more from Tony Lio check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
