Hot on the heels of their highly successful 2009 album, Yes, Pop gurus Pet Shop Boys return with a CD/DVD set entitled Pandemonium. The set includes a full concert that took place in December of 2009 at London’s 02 Arena (both audio and video versions) as well as DVD extras that delivers the band’s Brit Awards appearance with Brandon Flowers and Lady GaGa, music videos for “Love, Etc.,” “Did You See Me Coming?,” and “All Over the World,” and audio commentary by the Boys and the stage designer for the tour.
Let’s face it, Electronic music was made to be pumped through the world’s largest sound systems and this show is ample proof of that fact. The band sound HUGE and the audience is with them from the opening moments of “More Than a Dream/Heart” (where the band reveal themselves with heads hidden inside cubes) to the last notes of “Being Boring” and their worldwide smashes “West End Girls” and “It’s a Sin.” The band play a fun-filled set of songs that span their entire career here with particularly inspired sounding versions of “It’s a Sin,” “Did You See Me Coming?,” and “Go West.” As it always, the band’s ability to stay reserved throughout the excitement of this show makes it that much better. When the temptation to explode comes, the band stays the course, faithfully recreating their Pop gems live.
While, I’m not a huge fan of concert DVD’s, Pet Shop Boys really deliver here. The stage is set is absolutely stunning and commands your attention throughout. There are so many bands today that could take their cues from a show like this! The band’s sound and visual presentation is absolutely excellent, making this a must have purchase for any fan and a solid introduction to the band for the casual listener.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
