A triumphant synthesis of past and present
Album facts
Release Date: April 26th, 2024
Label: Parlophone
Tags: Electro Pop, Pet Shop Boys, Synth Pop
Discogs: Pet Shop Boys – Nonetheless
Partially sounds like: De/Vision, Erasure, Soft Cell
Final score: 4 stars
Matching album cliches: 1 / 7
With their 15th studio album "Nonetheless", produced by James Ford, known for his work with Depeche Mode ("Spirit" and "Memento Mori"), the Pet Shop Boys prove once again that they are masters of their craft. The unmistakable sound that has defined the band since the early 80s can also be found in this latest work. The album invites you on a profound journey through the best of synth pop and electro pop, enriched with a fresh, modern aesthetic.
Soulful introduction and timeless homage
"Loneliness" opens the new album with a drumbeat of epic, melancholic strings that immediately penetrate the depths of the soul. A masterfully chosen intro that seamlessly ties in with the proven sound DNA of the "Pet Shop Boys" and brings romantic 80s vibes to life. The song skilfully balances on the fine line between nostalgia and fresh melancholy, an emotional rollercoaster that forces the listener to smile and pause in equal measure. "Loneliness" is a captivating prelude that raises expectations and touches the heart at the same time. A worthy beginning that makes you want more.
"Feel" takes the listener on a gentle journey through the realm of emotions, led by strings and piano in the style of the Pet Shop Boys. The lyrical depth of the song is reflected in lines such as "You make me feel like nobody else can. You make me feel like nobody else's man". The subtle integration of "Zip and Zap synth sounds" gives the song a nostalgic 80s flavour despite its modern feel, which I really like. This track is a successful homage to the classics of the genre and offers a timeless quality that fans of electronic music will undoubtedly appreciate.
The ghost of a man
who’s lost in a rapture
I’m counting the days
till you get away
Lyrics of "Feel" by "Pet Shop Boys"
Surprising rhythms and a unique identity
Why do I dance when trumpets sound? Normally that wouldn't be my cup of tea, but "Why Am I Dancing?" manages to overcome my scepticism. The trumpets come in here with a hymn-like start and fit in surprisingly well with the faster tempo and the subtly melancholic atmosphere. The strings are also present again and contribute to the depth of the track. I particularly like the synth sounds; they remind me slightly of the liaison with Soft Cell and their joint hit "Purple Zone".
Who doesn't think of the uber-hit "New York City Boy" when reading the song title "New London Boy"? However, it quickly becomes clear that the song takes a completely unique and fascinating path. The track impresses with a relaxed groove and a deep bass line that perfectly emphasises the theme of sexual identity. Particularly impressive is the stylistic break in the bridge, which is reminiscent of the iconic "West End Girls". Despite the minimalist approach, the song achieves a profound emotional impact. A sentimental song that skilfully breaks away from expectations and reaches deep into the soul.
Nostalgia and reinvention
When listening to "Dancing Star", I inevitably felt transported back to the era of the Pet Shop Boys, the track is particularly reminiscent of the vibrating rhythm of "Domino Dancing". The music video emphasises this retro charm with allusions visually aimed at the 80s hit. Lyrically, however, the song takes us into a completely different world, dedicated to the legendary ballet dancer "Rudolf Nureyev". The mood of the song oscillates between cheerfulness and a profound melancholy – a fascinating mixture that redefines nostalgia and at the same time offers an emotional rollercoaster ride.
In the 60s you could feel the freedom
and the brightest star in town was you
Always a scandal and a real heart-breaker
Boys and girls both threw themselves at you
Lyrics of "Dancing Star" by "Pet Shop Boys"
"A New Bohemia" fascinates with its minimalist use of piano, which interweaves with strings and retro drums from the 60s to create a harmonious whole. Although quite successful, I would have wished for a stronger electronic influence in order to fully utilise its potential. For me personally, this is the weakest track on the album "Nonetheless".
Unexpected twists and tropical sounds
As someone traditionally rooted in electronic synth pop and electro pop music, I could barely hide my scepticism when I first heard "The Schlager Hit Parade". The initial acoustic guitar that sounded in the intro raised my fears of an ode to German Schlager music – a genre that is usually foreign to me. Surprisingly, however, the track develops into a solid Pet Shop Boys piece that is pleasantly out of the ordinary, even if it ends up in the middle of my rating. The lyrics, especially the line "in hazel, black and brown", skilfully allude to classic German hits, in this case a song by "Heino", without drifting into kitsch. However, the Christmas bells in the bridge spoil the overall picture somewhat. All in all, an interesting attempt that shows that even unexpected influences can lead to an entertaining result.
In ‘The Secret of Happiness’, the band once again tries their hand at a song that brings Hawaii back home with its holiday atmosphere. However, despite the appealing sound that invites you to dream, the lyrics remain too cheesy for me and don't reach the emotional depth that I would like. A song that certainly has its moments, but can't completely warm my heart.
Summery vibes and a melancholy finale
As a fan of synth pop and electro pop, "Bullet For Narcissus" immediately grabbed me. The powerful house beat makes the floor vibrate and forms the centrepiece of this track. The drums, straight out of a 90s drum computer, add a nostalgic touch that harmonises wonderfully with the modern elements. The occasional funky guitar interludes add fresh accents and bring a summery lightness to the mix. This song is a fascinating blend of old and new, perfect for long summer nights.
Oh Narcissus
It’s so delicious
to watch his make-up run
He sweats and panicky
fakes reality
He only cares for number one
Lyrics of "Bullet For Narcissus" by "Pet Shop Boys"
We have arrived at the last song "Love Is The Law", from the album "Nonetheless". This melancholy song unfolds slowly and is accompanied by a piano. It's not the usual ballad that you would typically expect at the end of an album. Instead, the listener experiences a rollercoaster of emotions, accompanied by a sonic variety that stands out favourably from other tracks. But when the song ended, an unusual feeling remained – as if something was still missing. This feeling of incompleteness may be intentional, to provoke thought, or it could be a clever move that leaves us longing for more. How did you feel about the end of the album? Share your thoughts in the comments.
And every day
the price is paid
Love is the law
and a trick of the trade
Lyrics of "Love Is The Law" by "Pet Shop Boys"
A timeless album of true musical integrity
After more than 40 years in the business, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe obviously still know how to create gripping songs. The selection of singles shows that they know their strengths and use them effectively. The album made me personally very happy. It's not just a treat for fans of the Pet Shop Boys, but also for any lover of electro pop. The coherence of the album "Nonetheless" and the variety of emotions and styles it offers are impressive. Best of all, the Pet Shop Boys have stayed true to their distinctive sound – a real treat for anyone looking for true musical integrity.
Track by track rating for: Pet Shop Boys – Nonetheless
