Tony Lio’s Latest EP, 'Mirage Masquerade,' Marks a Bold, Self-Defining Finale to the Emotion Trilogy
- Stefani M.C. Janelli
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tony Lio is a seasoned solo singer-songwriter who has spent more than a decade crafting and performing original music. Blending heavy, alternative-leaning riffs with the melodic sensibilities of indie rock, his sound strikes a balance between raw intensity and thoughtful harmony, showcasing an artist who thrives at the intersection of grit and melody. Earlier this month, we sat down with Tony to discuss his latest release, Mirage Masquerade, today we're going to take a deeper dive into the EP.
Tony Lio closes out a deeply personal chapter with Mirage Masquerade, the third and final installment of his Emotion Trilogy. Following Chaotic Desires (2022) and Euphoric Illusions (2023), this EP feels like a resolution, an artistic exhale that leans fully into independence and freedom. Where Chaotic wrestled with anger and reflection and Euphoric explored courage and acceptance, Mirage Masquerade finds Lio embracing simplicity, growth, and the quiet confidence that comes with self-understanding.
"I wanted to try to get out of my comfort zone and express how I was feeling at the time, and it was enjoying simple pleasures" - Tony Lio
From the opening notes of “Moon,” it’s clear that songwriting sits at the heart of this release. The track begins delicately with acoustic guitar before gradually building into layered textures, guided by a catchy, rhythm-driven chorus. Lines like “Broken hearts come out to play / Cosmic dreaming, unreal feeling” capture the EP’s dreamlike emotional space, while lush background vocals and a well-placed guitar solo add depth without overwhelming the song’s core intimacy.
“Ice Rain” drifts into more ethereal territory, underlined by atmospheric vocals and shimmering guitar work that feels weightless yet intentional. In contrast, “Beautiful Chloe” hits harder, leaning into alternative rock energy with strong slide guitar lines and a sense of longing that permeates the track. Lio’s repeated refrain,“Beautiful Chloe, see you there everywhere,” captures the ache of a love that lingers in memory.
The EP closes with “Better to Sleep,” a gentle, almost hushed moment that paints comfort through sound, where soft acoustic guitar, light percussion, and tender vocals create a sense of refuge, one that suggests solace can be found in rest and dreaming when waking life feels heavy.
LONG STORY SHORT: Mirage Masquerade is cohesive, intentional, and emotionally grounded, an EP that doesn’t rush to impress, but instead invites listeners to sit with its themes. In stepping outside his comfort zone, Tony Lio delivers a fitting and thoughtful conclusion to a trilogy defined by growth, reflection, and earned freedom.
Stream Mirage Masquerade below!
"Moon"
Tony Lio: Rhythm and Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals
Garrett Kruse: Drums, Percussion, and Production
Becky Bex: Lead Guitar and Background Vocals
Corynn Seahulster: Backing Vocals
"Ice Rain"
Tony Lio: Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
Lupe Dragon: Backing Vocals
Matt Pelosi: Production and Drum Programming
Naomi Smith: Upright Bass
"Beautiful Chloe"
Tony Lio: Rhythm and Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals
Zack Miranowic: Lead Guitar and Production
Garret Manyoky: Drums
"Better to Sleep"
Tony Lio: Rhythm, Lead and Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals
Christopher Kapschock: Production and Percussion Programming
Mackie June: Backing Vocals
