Explosive political artistry of a post-punk vocal energy, scathing lyrical pairing, live vocals and assisted production – Gregory Lioi holds nothing back performatively, with the high-energy weight and theatrics of Uncomfortably Numb.
“What you saw you did not see” resounds and rings out, echoing through the space with a topical poignancy that all of us can relate to. This is matched by other familiar statements woven into an eclectic mix, blending rap and melody in an almost adlib fashion, as Uncomfortably Numb further tightens its cinematic, rebellious grip.
Gregory Lioi’s use of modern production tools and AI means that his repertoire is as eclectic as the next man’s. Consider the spacious fingerstyle and intimacy of a reggae-rhythm-led 3 Dumb Sons. Even the accent changes, a totally different style, but still with that topical poignancy at the heart of the lyrics. This one is catchy, colourful, familiar and likable for its riffs and melodic changes.
Having fun with the creative process is soaring now, and Gregoy Lioi is celebrating that in swathes. For Back to The Start, we kick into an indie rock vibe that’s nostalgic and gritty, expressive and loaded with imagery and scenes that let you escape into the energy and uplift of this anthemic arrangement. A huge chorus and something of a raw vocal delivery lets this prove an absolute highlight and earworm from the Gregory Lioi catalogue.
The self-defined master of satire and the bizarre, Gregory Lioi excels at engaging the senses across a handful of different yet consistent genres. From reggae to rock and lo-fi escapism, his music is created from a personal need to hear something that feels right, and the songs all share that same evocative goal and performative originality.
As a final example, The Way It Was turns towards a lo-fi mellow aura, separating itself once again from the expected, and presenting a dreamlike groove and echoing, programmed vocals that gently sweep through the soundscape.
Unpredictable and catchy, gentle then intense, explicit and unconfined to a single style, story or perspective – Gregory Lioi’s devotion to the fun and freedom of making music is both purposeful and carefree in equal parts, and the songs speak volumes on behalf of that.
Gregory Lioi’s album AI Papi will release on March 7th. Follow him on Soundcloud, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.
