These boys know how to party

These boys know how to party

Artist: Pet Shop Boys

Venue: Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre, Compass Ballroom

Attendance: 5,000

When: Last Saturday

SINGAPORE - Here's two words to sum up last Saturday's gig by veteran synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys: Sensory overload.

Indeed, it was not just music the 1980s icons served up, but also a visual spectacular which included a psychedelic light show, some majorly funky outfit changes and, needless to say, heaps of quirk.

The 100-minute show - part of a world tour in support of the British outfit's recently-released 12th studio album, Electric - felt like a full-on rave. This was despite the somewhat-odd choice of venue, which didn't feel big enough for a gig of such scale.

Kicking off at 8.20pm with Axis, the lead single from the new record, it was clear the pair - comprising singer Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe - are not content to bank on the nostalgia factor that doubtlessly draws old fans to their concerts.

Though the familiar hooks and technicolour beats of earlier hits like Suburbia and Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money) - both from their 1986 debut album, Please - received the loudest cheers and singalongs, the Boys engaged even with their newer stuff.

New tune Thursday, for example, boasted a catchy chorus that begged for a singalong, and the crowd gamely rose to the occasion.

Ever the flamboyant showman, Tennant, 59, gave Lady Gaga a run for her money as he worked the stage, first dressed in a punkish, black spiked jacket and, later on, a selection of shiny or neon suits.

He and Lowe, 53, who last played in Singapore at SingFest in 2007, also donned primal-looking horned masks at one point, along with two seemingly indefatigable dancers whose energy never let up throughout. Tennant's distinct vocals were also in top form, his nasal twang just as rich as it was during his heyday.

The party vibe picked up several notches in the final third of the show as the 5,000-strong, sold-out audience - mostly in their 30s and older, some with young kids in tow - loosened up further and grooved as if their lives depended on it.

After an encore comprising equally rousing renditions of ebullient classic West End Girls and apt party anthem Vocal, the duo took their leave, leaving hyped-up concert-goers clamouring for more.

Simply electrifying.

 

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