The Most Incredible Thing

Album Review

The Most Incredible Thing is the Pet Shop Boys' first foray into the world of ballet scoring, and it’s as slick and smart as expected. Composed for London’s Sadlers Wells Theater adaptation of a late-period Hans Christian Andersen story, this must be a welcome souvenir for audience members, but those not in attendance will find the two-disc set a bit much, and with so many story-driven twists and audio cues, it’s too demanding for background listening. That said, any fans who found the duo’s Battleship Potemkin soundtrack compelling will find this a welcome, lighter alternative, seeing as how the sound is another mashing of Russian classical music and synth pop, with Tchaikovsky being the composer of influence here. Light melodies meet sweeping orchestral movements, and the ticking of clocks and other sound effects play a big role — plus you never know when a drum machine or sequencer will jump in, turning any given Swan Lake inspiration into a disco during prime time. Of limited appeal, but appealing nonetheless.