I’ve always lived with England’s long-lasting pop duo, Pet Shop Boys.
If it was when I was in high school, going to dances with various tracks from “Please”, or making “Actually” one of my first cassette purchases (using my own money!) or spending my London college years soon after with “Behaviour” and “Very” as part of my life… they have always been… there.
Pet Shop Boys’ fifteenth studio album, “Nonetheless,” released on April 26, 2024, marks a notable return to their roots. The duo’s classic synth-pop sound is combined with fresh, diverse elements. Teaming up with producer James Ford, known for his work with The Last Shadow Puppets, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe have crafted an album that bridges their storied past with their current artistic vision.
First, there are strings everywhere. Tennant’s vocals sound like they always have been – maybe better.
The album opens with the lead single, Loneliness, a rallying call that invites listeners to overcome isolation, which sets a tone of introspection and social commentary that weaves throughout the album. The record mixes dance anthems and poignant ballads, each contributing to such a rich tapestry of reflection and resilience. It is lovely.
Why Am I Dancing? is my favorite track. It opens with an infectious, beautiful horn set and then moves into a track that could not be out of place on my favorite PSB album, “Actually” (1987).
“Why am I dancing when I’m so alone? Maybe I can celebrate. On my own?”
It is groovy and fun but so introspective, a Tennant trademark. Like all the songs on this album, there are strings, but the beats (and brass) still come through strongly – it is fantastic.
New London Boy is also one of my favorite tracks – a nostalgic look back at Tennant’s formative years in London. He sort of raps at one point:
“Skinheads will mock you, call you a fag. Last laugh is yours, there’s a brick in your bag. Follow the style, plastic, and showy. Everyone’s dancing to Roxy and Bowie.”
That part is reminiscent of West End Boys, except with saxophones.
Dancing Star, the album’s second single, celebrates the life of ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who defected from the Soviet Union and became a global star. It blends a straightforward synth arrangement with orchestral flourishes. It showcases Tennant’s talent, combining historical narratives with personal storytelling.
“Jumped the barrier at Orly Airport. Claimed political asylum there. Took all the KGB boys by surprise. I think they thought that you would never dare.”
The very pretty A New Bohemia starts the album’s second half with a ballad with strings awash. One of my favorite lyrics from the album:
“I’m always in love. I’m easily led. My life is a mess like an unmade bed.”
Another one of my favorite tracks follows—the incredibly catchy The Schlager Hit Parade, because, well, Schlager music is, by definition, catchy. Think Eurovision, but this is a fun, playful, and enjoyable song by Tennant that demonstrates his ability to blend humor with a bit of critique. “It’s always Christmas or the sound of summer? In the Schlager hit parade.”
Love is the Law ends the album with a brooding atmosphere – juxtaposing the rest. “Love is the law, but you can’t regulate it. The desire is so strong, and you won’t moderate it.” It’s a lush ending to this album, which gives me some “Behaviour”-ish vibes. It could slot into that 1990 album easily.
Conclusion
Pet Shop Boys’ “Nonetheless“ is a masterful blend of nostalgia and contemporary commentary, showcasing Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe at their best. With its rich storytelling, diverse musical styles, and polished production, the album celebrates the duo’s impressive career; it celebrates their legacy while still pushing forward, offering fans both old and new a deeply engaging listening experience. As stated, they continue to straddle the tightrope between timeless and future-facing.
And I want more. Please.
8.5/10
Chris Garrod, May 24 2024
(Note a 2-CD version, “Furthermore,” was produced as well, with “all-new recordings” of classics: Heart, Being Boring, Always On My Mind, and It’s a Sin. And damn, they are all great.)
