The Boys From Fengkui

The eighth and ninth studio albums (there was a live recording between them) from the Atlanta Rhythm Section got a belated U.K. CD release in 2010. These closed out the act's affiliation with Polydor Records and are condensed onto a single CD here, as well as digitally remastered. It's another in the classy series of ARS reissues from BGO, which has treated the Southern pop act's catalog with utmost respect on four previous discs that bring the group's original albums back in print for collectors and music fans who want more than the 17 hits on Polydor's well-chosen 1982 vintage Best Of. Liner notes from Campbell Devine tend to be fawning but include a comprehensive history of the band, recounting its story leading up to and even after the recording of these tunes. Musically, ARS captured a unique style halfway between the smooth West Coast pop of the late '70s and the Southern rock of the era.

A strong debut demands a strong follow-up. The pop/rock sextet BOYS FROM HEAVEN are now ready with their sophomore album, “The Descendant”. The group, though still faithful to the 80’s AOR universe, have found greater inspiration in a more atmospheric sound, where dreamy pads, punchy synthesizers and drum machines are blended with the band’s organic and authentic sound. All musical elements have been meticulously crafted in this incredibly detailed production, which is mixed and mastered by Erik Martensson (Eclipse, Ammunition, etc.). On “The Descendant”, Boys From Heaven present the sonic equivalent of cruising back to the future, straight to the arcade hall, on to the drive-in cinema, and back home to mend a broken heart. “With this release, we have made an album that doesn’t just draw its inspiration from the 80’s, but also takes the listener through an array of emotions analogous with this period of music”, keyboardist Mads Noye offers.