With its blend of introspection and exuberance, Pet Shop Boys are making waves once again with their new album, Nonetheless, reaffirming the duo's status as pioneers of electronic pop.
Returning to their roots at Parlophone, the label that catapulted them to fame with a string of chart-topping hits from 1985 to 2012, Pet Shop Boys embark on a new chapter in their illustrious career. Nonetheless features 10 fresh tracks, recorded and mixed in the heart of London, primarily at producer James Ford's studio in East London. And the album's lush orchestral and vocal backing were captured at The Church studio in North London, adding even more depth to the duo's signature sound. The album is fueled by the success of lead single, “Loneliness,” which pairs uplifting melodies with pointed lyrics that hit deeply about a subject matter we can all no doubt relate to.
Nonetheless is the duo's first time working with Ford, whose impressive resume includes work with Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Blur, Gorillaz, and Simian Mobile Disco. Reflecting on their creative journey, Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe expressed their excitement about Nonetheless, describing it as a reflection of their current status. Collaborating with Ford has injected new energy and innovation into their music, balancing intricate compositions with moments of minimalist beauty. The result is a collection of songs from the full spectrum of human emotion, from heartbreak to hope, and everything in between.
"We're very excited to release this new album," the duo shared. "Its 10 tracks are the strongest indicators of where we are today. Like much of our music, it's very reflective. It was great to work with James Ford, who we think has brought new elements to our music. Our demos are sometimes quite complicated, and James has dared to make us a bit more minimal at times – but also, the string arrangements are very beautiful. Some of the record is quite heart-breaking, but we hope a lot of it is also uplifting. It's a record we're very proud of."