The fact that this is Pet Shop Boys’ fifteenth album is an achievement in itself, though even some of the most established artists start to lose themselves after this many releases. Not Tennant and Lowe, though. ‘Nonetheless’ offers 10 fresh tracks of melodic storytelling, with a string-heavy orchestral backing that contrasts beautifully with groovy synths. It sounds authentic yet updated, due in part to a new collaboration with producer James Ford. Neil Tennant proves his songwriting skills have grown ever-sharper throughout the band’s many releases, covering subject matter such as Oscar Wilde’s post-prison stay in France, Soviet ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev and his own journey of adolescence. A colourful listen indeed. LT

Out now on Parlophone