Pet Shop Boys Have A Gay Old Time

In the sector where new wave, disco and queer culture clash, you'll find the unassuming figures of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. Known to the outside world as the Pet Shop Boys, the duo have been making some of the cheekiest dance music known to man since the mid-'80s. The Pet Shop Boys reacquainted themselves with Canadian audiences on Wednesday at Toronto's Hummingbird Centre.

In their first area appearance in more than four years, the Boys acquitted themselves nicely with a strong set of favourites from their back catalogue and selections from their surprisingly with-it 2006 effort, Fundamental. I'll qualify that last statement by conceding that the Pet Shop Boys have never been big on trends. Stylistically, Fundamental is slightly more modern than most of the band's '80s output, but its songs still work when matched up against classics such as "It's A Sin" and "Opportunities."

Of the new material, the spry "I'm With Stupid" got the biggest rise out of the crowd. An unexpected treat was a touching rendition of "Numb." You wouldn't expect a tune penned by MOR schlockster Diane Warren to elicit any emotion whatsoever. However, set against a video screen depicting some stark black-and-white images, the song took on a vaguely cinematic feel and provided a brief respite from the dance party that was otherwise constantly erupting. The audience was up and out of their seats for at least half the show, which is a minor miracle since Toronto audiences are typically pretty bashful. Not on this night, as even a few of the ushers were seen "cutting a rug" during the livelier tracks.

In terms of the stage show, the Pet Shop Boys have always been big on visuals, and this production was no exception. A team of dancers and back-up singers helped flesh out the music and a big boxy stage prop served a variety of purposes: projection screen, platform, ornament, etc. The hired help went through several costume changes while Tennant and Lowe opted not to. Tennant looked dapper in top hat and tails, and Lowe looked like an extra from a Jesus Jones video, wearing dated rave gear.

A number of the band's biggest songs were rolled out, including "Suburbia," "Domino Dancing," "Can You Forgive Her?" and their only North American #1 hit, "West End Girls." The Boys spent the night exuding their famous detached composure and kept movement to a minimum. Luckily, the years have been kind to Tennant's trademark vocals. One chortle of his nasally croon and the tunes are brought to life in all their 3D glory. Tennant pranced around a bit during the bizarre "The Sodom And Gomorrah Show." Otherwise, he politely sashayed his way across the stage like a less sleazy version of Bryan Ferry.

And yes, they closed with their cover of The Village People's "Go West," which remains an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise stately career.