Pet Shop Boys have once again proven their prowess in blending poignant lyricism with infectious beats in their latest album, Nonetheless.
Review by Ruby Brown
The first track, Loneliness, sets the tone with a slow, ominous build-up, soon interrupted by dramatic strings. Just as the mood becomes almost foreboding, it seamlessly transitions into the electric feel that fans have come to expect from the duo, four decades on from breaking on to the pop-scene. This track juxtaposes solemn, rhetorical lyrics with a club-ready beat, creating a paradoxical yet enthralling listen; a hallmark that carries throughout the rest of the record.
Tracks like New London Boy continue down this thematic path, showcasing Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe’s ability to pair introspective lyrics with danceable rhythms. A fun, synth-heavy track that refuses to shy away from addressing significant societal issues facing us today, the song tackles themes such as homophobia and the experience of being a queer person in the modern world; a topic that has unfortunately become up for debate in recent political discourse. This juxtaposition of upbeat music with profound lyrical content, as heard once again in the likes of The Schlager Hit Parade, merely serves as a testament to Pet Shop Boys’ ability to create music that is both easy to listen to, but layered with raw emotion and grit.
Further down the line, Bullet for Narcissus also delivers a punchy and striking sound, filled with the witty lyrics we know and love from the duo. This song highlights how, even after fifteen studio albums, the band continues to maintain their creative edge. The tracks Feel, A New Bohemia, and The Secret of Happiness each exude a mystical, ethereal, and nostalgic energy, steeped in an 80s ballad style that again evoke a sense of escapism and longing. Pet Shop Boys expertly weave these sentiments into their music, creating an immersive experience that transports listeners to a different era while showcasing the evolution and captivity of their musical capabilities.
For those seeking the quintessential disco sounds that characterise much of the band’s wider discography, Why Am I Dancing? and Dancing Star are standouts. These tracks are designed to make you move, yet they do not shy away from the deeper, more reflective undertones that permeate the entire album. The duality of joy and broodiness makes these songs particularly compelling, and perhaps intentionally so with the wider feel of today’s broader political, social, and economic climate.
The album closes with the more solemn and tense Love is the law. The juxtaposition and unexpected shift in mood only reinstates the unpredictable, yet stylistic genius, of the band all these years on.
Despite the monochrome, almost minimalist looking album cover, Nonetheless delivers an eruption of vibrant sound that delves into the complexities of human emotion. Pet Shop Boys masterfully balance themes of love and desolation, creating an album that is as thought-provoking as it is rhythmical. This album is a testament to their enduring talent and their ability to remain relevant in the dynamic landscape of pop music.