WORDS DYLAN EVANS
PET SHOP BOYS
” NONETHELESS “
OUT NOW!
Fans of the Pet Shop Boys and fans of synth pop have been waiting four long years for the release of the band’s 15th album. ‘Nonetheless’ was worth the wait. Pop’s most unlikely duo have created a clever piece of work.
A band that’s conquered all that’s gone before, over 50 million records sold, countless hit singles and albums, collaborations with some of the World’s biggest stars, they’ve created operas, had a gluttonous amount of number 1’s (including a Christmas one that most people forget) and even football fans have made one of their releases a terrace anthem. Nonetheless, (see what I did there)? this album proves that they’re still relevant and capable of producing a quality collection of songs.
This album is gloriously unapologetic and neither should it be. The opening two songs are both honest and uplifting. The former, ‘Loneliness’, released as a single earlier in the year is a nod to what’s to follow on the album. The slow and careful orchestral intro pulses into life with a catchy melody and constant bass beat that is complimented by haunting lead and backing vocals. We’re off to a strong start.
There’s a comforting familiarity to some of the songs and even time for a West End Girls-esque rap on ‘New London Boy’. The whole album is worth listening to just for the drop sharp chord in ‘A New Bohemia’. For a musical nerd as I am, its just beautiful.
‘Bullet for Narcissus’ is the obvious floor filler. Its catchy and punchy with some clever guitar work.
Neil Tennant has a great ability to convey a vocal honesty with his lyrics which is a neat trick for someone who famously keeps his cards close to his chest.
The songs sound as appropriate for a club as they do in a convertible car driving along the French Riviera on a warm and sunny day.
Its uplifting, its honest, its hopeful, its gentle, its reflective, its mature, its clever.
Pet Shop Boys aficionados will love this album, there’s plenty of 80’s and 90’s nostalgia to blend perfectly with the more sophisticated and cultured edge to the songs and production.
Attracting new fans might be a stretch but the Pet Shop Boys prove with Nonetheless that Chris has the vibes, Neil has the words, they’ll still make lots of money.
7.5 / 10
TRACK LISTING
1/ LONELINESS
2/ FEEL
3/ WHY AM I DANCING?
4/ NEW LONDON BOY
5/ DANCING STAR
6/ A NEW BOHEMIA
7/ THE SCHLAGER HIT PARADE
8/ THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS
9/ BULLET FOR NARCISSUS
10/ LOVE IS THE LAW
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
