The latest video from Pet Shop Boys, A new bohemia, is a striking juxtaposition of past and present. It casts a poignant spotlight on how cherished facets of life have slipped quietly away, evoking a deep-seated longing for the simplicity and freedom of bygone days. Dancing, both literal and metaphorical, emerges as a powerful symbol of joy and community—an essence seemingly lost to the relentless march of gentrification. Much like the Kinks’ Come Dancing, it stands as an anthem for those wistfully reminiscing about their wild, carefree pasts. Amidst undertones of regret and the chaos of modern living, there is a palpable yearning for a fresh beginning, a return to that wild bacchanal of yore.
Pet Shop Boys— the legendary synthpop duo compromised of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe—have recently released Nonetheless, a record they’ve lovingly labeled their “queer album.” The record’s latest single, A new bohemia, is a track that directly draws its inspiration from the 1970s queer artist and activist ensemble Les Petites Bon-Bons, and feels like a song that came from their era.
The music video transcends visual accompaniment, becoming an artful reunion of creative minds. Andrew Haigh, the auteur who is celebrated for his masterful portrayal of human fragility, collaborates once more with Russell Tovey, the magnetic actor from the gay drama Looking. The video opens with Tovey, a solitary figure gliding gracefully across a roller disco rink—a tableau of poignant nostalgia. The scene then shifts to Tennant and Lowe, their melodies merging with the rhythm of the sea as they perform on a deserted beach. The video culminates in the roller disco’s neon-lit floor, where Tovey’s solitary skate evolves into an intimate, sensual dance with another man.
“We had a lovely sunny day in Margate filming this video with Andrew Haigh, fresh from his success with All of Us Strangers,” Pet Shop Boys shared. “Thanks to Andrew and all concerned, in particular the many local residents who took part, including Russell Tovey and Tracey Emin.”
“I have loved the Pet Shop Boys since the release of Please,” says Haigh. “I have every album and have seen them play live many times over the years. Getting to make a music video with them has been a dream come true.”
Watch the video for “A new bohemia” below:
Nonetheless, Pet Shop Boys’ latest album is out now via Parlophone. You can also listen via Bandcamp or Spotify.
Pet Shop Boys are currently on tour in Europe and the UK throughout June and July:
June 2024
July 2024
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