Description

2010 press. First ever cd release of this album.

Although its n undeniable fact that the UK isnt the natural habitat of AOR and its melodic off-shoots, a number of very fine British acts have plied their trade in that particular field. Amongst their number we can list FM, Strangeways, Airrace, Shy, and a handful of others. One name that is sadly seldom mentioned but is just as worthy of consideration is that of Rio. Less a band and more of a studio project consisting of vocalist and guitarist Jon Neill and Steve Rodford (son of Argent bassist Jim Rodford) on Bass, Keyboards and drums, Their debut album, Borderland, is widely considered to be one of the very best AOR albums to have ever surfaced outside of the USA, and one cursory listen is all that is needed to convince the listener that this is indeed the case. This was how Rio sounded for a brief but glorious period in those long off and much missed 80s. “Borderland” is a hugely produced melodic album true to the sound and style of the mid/late 80s. Therefore you can expect huge drumming, flashy lead guitar, ever-present melodic keyboards and very appropriate bass that commonly sets the mood at the beginning of a song. Rio have a strong US melodic sound with songs tailored to rock radio. One has to look at the fact that Rio have actually included a variety of 80s rock subgenres on their sole studio release; the album opens on genuine AOR magic, namely “I Don’t Wanna Be The Fool”, ” Straight To The Heart”, the smoother “Tommy Can’t Help It” and “Better This Time”. Then they take a heavier turn towards glam metal with “State Of Emergency” and “Shy Girl” and from there onwards going back to AOR. Overall “Borderline” is a great buy for classic AOR/80’s rock enthusiasts that sounds fresh even by contemporary standards.

Track list:
1. I Don’t Wanna Be The Fool
2. Straight To The Heart
3. Tommy Can’t Help It
4. Better This Time
5. State Of Emergency
6. Shy Girl
7. Shes A Virgin
8. Close To You
9. Borderlands