Pet Shop Boys Release Sanctuary By David Chiu

The Pet Shop Boys's latest album is somewhat of a warmer, approachable effort in contrast to the beat pumping, synth pop that we normally associate with the duo's music (although the boys have written some wonderful ballads). Release sounds more intimate as is the case with "Home and Dry," as "Birthday Boy" is slow and lush and "You Choose" is baroque and intricate. "I Get Along" shows the duo tackling Beatlesque pop! The use of guitar certainly accounts for this (which features guest Johnny Marr), but don't worry dance and synth fiends, PSB hasn't completely abandoned you thanks to electronic-inflected tracks like London and The Samurai in Autumn. Neil Tennant's voice sounds like sarcastic-he's actually singing at certain moments, and Chris Lowe's still remains the musical mastermind. Most importantly what hasn't changed is the music and lyrics sense of alienation and longing. Release embodies the best of the PSB's past and future.