Pet Shop Boys Release Nostalgic New Album 'Nonetheless,' Reflect on Berlin Influence

The Pet Shop Boys, the influential British synth-pop duo consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, have released their 15th studio album titled 'Nonetheless.' The album, which the duo has titled as their 'queer album', showcases a more lush and orchestral sound compared to their recent electro-focused trilogy.

In a recent conversation with journalist Alexis Petridis at Kings Place in London, Tennant and Lowe discussed the nostalgic themes present in 'Nonetheless,' particularly their reflections on missing Berlin and how the city influenced their music in the 1980s. "The album features a mix of upbeat dance tracks and more reflective, melancholic songs that evoke the atmosphere of Berlin during that era," Tennant explained.

The Pet Shop Boys also explored rediscovering their political songs and expressing their love for German schlager music on the new album. Tracks like 'New London Boy,' a coming-of-age vignette about Tennant's arrival in London in the 1970s and his journey of discovering his sexuality and aspiring to become a pop star, showcase the duo's introspective songwriting.

Tennant, who is turning 70 this year, addressed themes of loneliness and the search for happiness in the album's lyrics. "The album reflects on the past, with 'New London Boy' looking back to the 1970s," he noted. "The lyrics are introspective, addressing themes of loneliness and the search for happiness."

Why this matters: The release of 'Nonetheless' marks a significant milestone for the Pet Shop Boys, who have remained influential in the music industry for over four decades. The album's nostalgic themes and introspective lyrics resonate with fans who have followed the duo's journey and evolution over the years.

'Nonetheless' also sees the Pet Shop Boys returning to Parlophone Records, the label that released their iconic and successful material from 1985 to 2012. The album was recorded and mixed in London in 2023, primarily at producer James Ford's studio in East London, with the orchestra and backing vocals recorded at The Church studio in North London.

The Pet Shop Boys' ability to continually reinvent their sound while staying true to their signature style is evident in 'Nonetheless.' As Tennant reflected, "The album has a melancholic and jaded mood, drawing inspiration from late 60s Scott Walker, Roxy Music's 'Avalon,' and 80s sophistipop." With this release, the Pet Shop Boys once again demonstrate their enduring creativity and relevance in the pop music landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Pet Shop Boys release 15th studio album 'Nonetheless' with nostalgic, introspective themes.
• Album features a mix of upbeat dance tracks and melancholic songs evoking 1980s Berlin.
• Lyrics address loneliness and the search for happiness, reflecting on the past.
• Album marks a significant milestone for the influential British synth-pop duo.
• Pet Shop Boys return to Parlophone Records, the label that released their iconic material.