U.K. pop veterans the Pet Shop Boys [ tickets ] will embark on a 20-date North American tour May 14 in support of their latest album, "Release," out on Sanctuary Records April 23. The album debuted at No. 7 in the duo's homeland on its release there April 1.

It was almost 20 years ago that the Pet Shop Boys--Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe--burst onto the American pop scene with their singles "West End Girls" and "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)." Formed in 1981, the group has managed to maintain a steady, enthusiastic fan base using their trademark dry wit and a beat-friendly aesthetic.

The band's recent maxi-single collaboration with DJ Peter Rauhofer, "Break 4 Love," is currently perched at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Tracks chart. The first single from the new album is called "Home and Dry."