RIO – Borderland [Retrospect Records remaster +1]

Considered a cult AOR album by fans of the genre, here’s as requested the Retrospect Records remastered reissue of “Borderland“, the 1985’s album from British duo RIO, including a bonus track.
Formed by Steve Rodford (son of Jim Rodford of the band The Zombies) and Jon Neill (Jon Willoughby) the band started their early material in a group called Bombay. Steve took on Drums, Bass and backup vocals, while Jon focused on lead vocals and guitar.

The Rio sound is on the poppier side of AOR – melodic guitars, big choruses and lots of keyboards – and both chaps clearly know what they are doing with their instruments. That pumping mid-80s midtempo magic is all over the album: “I Don’t Wanna Be The Fool”, “State Of Emergency”, “Straight To The Heart”, “Borderland”, and “Shy Girl”.
The band continued on with in 1986 with a second album, but on a smaller label and less global markets to promote their music, and Rio shortly disbanded after. I
“Borderland” is a fantastic release that deserves a spot in your AOR music collection. While their sound really unique, the band fits within groups such as Strangeways, Bystander, Cliff Magness, What If, etc.
Highly Recommended

01 – I Don’t Wanna Be The Fool
02 – Straight To The Heart
03 – Tommy Can’t Help It
04 – Better This Time
05 – State OF Emergency
06 – Casualty [B-side] (Bonus Track)
07 – Shy Girl
08 – She’s A Virgin
09 – Close To You
10 – Borderland

Jon Neill – Vocals, Guitars
Steve Rodford – Drums, Bass, Keyboards

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