Pet Shop Boys are back with new music and the announcement of both the release of a new studio album “nonetheless” (out April 26th) and five shows at London’s Royal Opera House in July.
The album is the duo’s first with producer James Ford, who has previously worked with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Blur, Gorillaz and Simian Mobile Disco.
‘nonetheless’ contains 10 previously unreleased tracks, recorded and mixed in London last year, mainly at James Ford’s studio in East London. The orchestra and background vocals were recorded at The Church studio in north London.
The music on “nonetheless” is both level and thoughtful, mixing electronics, live instruments and orchestral arrangements. The songs are very melodic and are quintessential Pet Shop Boys with a fresh and open sound, bringing together classic strands of PSB songwriting and moving them in new directions.
QUOTES
Pet Shop Boys say about the album’s creative process:
We wanted this album to be a celebration of the unique and diverse emotions that make us human.
From the more danceable tracks to the introspective ballads, with their beautiful string arrangements, each song tells a story and contributes to the overall narrative of the album.
Driven by the enormous resurgence spawned by their latest trilogy of studio albums and the continued success of their “Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live” tour, “nonetheless” is the sound of a band who have reached a new peak in their creative power.
PSB’s last three albums, recorded with producer Stuart Price, coincided with extensive tours which saw the group headline Glastonbury for the third time, as well as headline other major music festivals around the world. In 2022 the duo also toured the US with the “Unity” tour co-headlining with New Order, which saw them sell out arenas such as New York’s Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl of Los Angeles.
PSB finished that year by headlining Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay show. Further Dreamworld tour dates have already been announced for 2024, including a headlining date at the Isle of Wight Festival this summer.
We are very excited to release this new album. The 10 tracks are the strongest indicators of where we are today.
Like most of our music, it’s very reflective. It was great working with James Ford, who we think brought new elements to our music. Our demos are sometimes quite complicated and James dared to make us a little more minimal, but the string arrangements are also very beautiful.
Some parts of the album are quite poignant but we hope that many are also of a certain level. It’s a record we’re very proud of.”
Parlophone CEO Jennifer Ivory added: “The Pet Shop Boys and Parlophone have had an incredibly successful and creative collaboration that has lasted more than 30 years, so it’s an amazing feeling to have them with us again.
One of the UK’s most innovative and inventive bands, their new music continues to evolve and push boundaries as they continue to blaze their own trail.
We couldn’t be happier to be working with them again in this exciting new phase of their careers. Parlophone is extremely proud to welcome Neil and Chris back!”
THE SINGLE
The single “Loneliness”, which PSB describe as “music of a certain level with thoughtful lyrics” will be released in single CD format on February 16th.
LIVE
The album is available to pre-order from today, giving you access to priority ticket purchases for a series of five very special PSB shows at the Royal Opera House in London from 23rd to 27th July. In 2016 Pet Shop Boys became the first electronic band to play at this venue, with a hugely successful series of four shows. The band returned to play in this venue in 2018 for other sold out shows, gathering even greater acclaim than the previous ones.
Pre-sale access to purchase Royal Opera House tickets will be available by pre-ordering the “nonetheless” album and bundles at www.petshopboys.co.uk
THE TRACKLIST
Pet-Shop-Boys-Nonetheless-album-2024.
LONELINESS
FEEL
WHY AM I DANCING?
NEW LONDON BOY
DANCING STAR
IN NEW BOHEMIA
THE SCHLAGER HIT PARADE
THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS
BULLET FOR NARCISSUS
LOVE IS THE LAW
WEB & SOCIAL
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