Once upon a time, on Pet Shop Boys ' first single, “West End Girls,” vocalist Neil Tennant sang the lines, “We’ve got no future / We’ve got no past / Here today, built to last.” Fifteen studio records later, there possibly isn’t a better verse that captures the timelessness of the stone-faced British pop duo that appears to, indeed, be built to last. Known for their synthesizer-backed dance tracks with emotionally resonant lyrics, Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe created their own style of electric pop — influenced by glam rock and disco — that has stood the test of time with consistent releases over the years. Their latest album, “Nonetheless,” falls right in line with the pattern. Tennant’s simple-sounding vocals tell stories of loneliness, longing and love, elevated by bumping electronic beats and orchestral harmonies in this bittersweet masterpiece. Lowe’s synthesizer skills bring each track to life, as always, and the dichotomy between heart-wrenching lyrics and dance-inducing instrumentals is a poignant reflection of human emotion. |
Rampaging elephant herd razes 500km path of destructionChinese miners trapped underground for more than a week send out note to raise survival hopesGaza aid agency 'extremely desperate' after funding haltedCouple swapped the U.S for Germany 'to be near the most beautiful mountains in the world'Oranga Tamariki IT overhaul leaves social workers without access to some informationCoronavirus China: Wuhan lab staff 'had virus symptoms before first confirmed cases'Nine injured in incident involving 'corrosive substance' in London, police sayChinese miners trapped underground for more than a week send out note to raise survival hopesBody removed after violent attack at Auckland sushi shopChinese censors give Fight Club movie a new ending where police win