Tony Lio – Imperfect

On today’s music scene, where almost all the artists and bands sound so similar, merging several styles together could be the wisest thing any music outlet could do to elevate its career to new heights. This decision often offers many options, expanding the artist’s or band’s ability not only to elevate their careers to new heights but also to deliver something more unique than anything you could possibly hear on the scene right now. Tony Lio’s decision to go this route and experiment with his sound exemplifies what happens when the artist has the courage and willingness to step out of his comfort zone and do something different, resulting in a song that rewards listeners with repeated listens. “Imperfect,” his latest standalone single released on July 3rd via all streaming platforms, carries such an addictive, hypnotic, irresistible energy, inviting listeners to take a deep dive into the song’s core and enjoy. Sonically, this composition might dominate with an alternative rock sound, as the artist incorporated all the fundamental elements of this longstanding music genre into every segment, but do not be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from grunge, indie rock, shoegaze, dream pop, and any other similar style. The best part about it is how all those sonic ingredients articulate throughout the entire composition, decorating, accentuating, or elevating particular moments, segments, or even the entire song to an entirely new level. This level of attention paid while writing, composing, arranging, and producing, as well as the investment of only the finest ideas and marvelous musicianship, is rarely heard or seen in this genre, and it seems like Tony Lio crafted everything with such ease. There’s an organic flow that guides you through every section, revealing this song like a carefully composed story, and guiding you till the last notes and beats end. It’s a work of an artist who cares about every single detail, nuance, layer, element, and instrumentation, bringing one of the finest compositions the alternative rock scene has seen in years.

But to fully appreciate the brilliance of an artist, you have to take a deep dive into the song’s core. Of course, the lyrics play a significant role here, and Tony Lio really paid a lot of attention to every single detail. Through “Imperfect,” Lio explores what society considers perfect in today’s world, and explains how individuals who have a bit of an odd trait can be labeled as black sheep of society. The artist wanted to create a song that loudly and powerfully fights back against that idea, and he ultimately succeeded in his aims. And there are plenty of thoughtfully and tastefully assembled orchestrations to support this lyrical content. You’ll immediately notice how guitars play a significant role here, delivering all those beautiful chord progressions, harmonies, melodies, themes, and leads. Heavily drenched in a reverb effect, those chord progressions decorate every segment with such precision and finesse, creating a calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal, otherworldly ambiance. These sonic maneuvers will immediately remind you of something you could possibly hear in shoegaze and dream pop works, but leaning more towards alternative, grunge, and indie sound. As the song evolves, these orchestrations expand, so you’ll hear how chord progressions become powerful riffs that immensely support Zack Miranowic’s jaw-dropping guitar solo. These guitar works are so lush, complex, yet easy-listening enough to satisfy even the pickiest listeners. Tony Lio’s vocal performance add more than necessary emotional depth and complexity through a perfectly balanced vocal performance. Calm during the quieter moments and tremendously powerful during those moments where all instruments ring, his voice acts as a guide through this expansive sonic universe. The additional vocal layers give more richness during the choruses and create that anthemic vibe that immediately wraps around your listening apparatus and refuses to let go. If you pay close attention, you’ll also notice how keys and synths give more melody and depth, especially as the song approaches the end. Also, “Imperfect” would not sound complete without an equally impressive rhythm section. Tony Lio wisely blended bass with guitars, so its presence is so subtle yet impactful. You’ll hear how all those warm, deep, heavy low ends contribute all the heaviness, clarity, and depth this composition desperately needs, and all of that while binding the mentioned instrumentations with rhythmic patterns. The exceptional drumming, based upon moderate, well-accentuated, tastefully assembled, and flawlessly performed beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics, contributes groove, dynamics, and detail while keeping the remainder of the instrumentation in line. Every instrument has its place and purpose here, making “Imperfect” such a perfect song.

“Imperfect” is the third song crafted in collaboration with Zack Miranowic, Tony Lio’s longtime friend and working musician who previously produced his singles “Evangeline” and “Beautiful Chloe.” It happens to be a winning combination that continuously delivers outstanding results, and that’s the case with this song as well. “Imperfect” is one of those songs where every single detail, vocal harmony, guitar work, and rhyhtmic movement is perfectly calculated yet sounds so organic. Tony Lio once again proves why he’s one of the finest songwriters you could possibly stumble upon in the modern alternative rock scene, as he avoids cliches and delivers a one-of-a-kind listening experience. If you’re looking for a captivating, ethereal, emotive alternative rock song that escapes predictability, “Imperfect” will be a perfect pick for you. It’s a masterpiece that immediately wraps around your listening apparatus and refuses to let go long after the last notes and beats fade away.