"Borderland" is the sole album released by British AOR combination/studio project "Rio" originally marketed in 1985. "Rio" are essentially two musicians Jon Neil who contributes all vocals and guitars and Steve Rodford who handles drums, bass and keyboards. This is a 2010 reissue by "Krescendo records" which specializes in AOR, melodic rock and glam metal reissues, has indeed rediscovered a hot AOR item in "Rio-Borderland". Moving to the specifics of the album, "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 smother "Tommy can't help it" and "Better this time". Following "Rio" take a heavier turn towards glam metal with "State of emergency" and "Shy girl" and from there onwards going back to AOR. Overall "Rio-Borderline" is a great buy for classic AOR/80's rock enthusiasts that sounds fresh even by contemporary standards.