For some reason I have always thought of the Pet Shop Boys like some favourite aunt. You don't particularly want to live with them but you enjoy their company when you meet them. So, when we heard they were making their first visit to Cardiff this century we thought it was time to make an effort to see them. Even though we don't possess any of their music their songs have been ever present in our lives for the last 25 years.
Despite the usual lack of atmosphere at the Cardiff International Arena Sophie Ellis- Bexter did her best to get the audience in the mood with her blend of disco and dance music. I can't say I am a great fan of her music but she certainly filled the stage with her personality and her legs ( boy is she tall).
Soon, though it is time for the dynamic duo to appear and we are quickly into Pet Shop Boys world. As ever Chris Lowe remains quiet (although he did have one brief amusing dancing moment) leaving Neil Tennant to dominate proceedings.
He quietly controls the stage with his voice, presence and commanding stare over the audience, controlled as his disciples. He does allow a variety of lithe dancers to provide a visual narrative to each song ,most strikingly ( literally) in a stunning version of Jealousy.
As always a concert is a balance between new songs (from the new album, in this case Pandemonium )and the more familiar tunes from their successful back catalogue. I must say Ididn't agree with the balance of the show as there was an undoubted sag in the middle due to a lot of new songs.
On the whole though this was a highly enjoyable evening from a group who combined visual and musical excellence to thrill a devoted audience.
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