In the world of music, few bands hold the cultural cachet of Pulp, the Sheffield-based band whose blend of sharp lyrics and catchy hooks defined the Britpop movement in the 1990s. Since their last studio release in 2001, We Love Life, fans have been eagerly waiting for new material. As of April 10, 2025, that anticipation has finally been met with the announcement of More, their first album in over two decades, and the release of its lead single "Spike Island." This return not only rekindles the flame of nostalgia for long-time fans but also opens doors for new listeners to experience Pulp’s distinctive sound.
Formed in 1978, Pulp began as an obscure band in the underground scene, but it was not until the mid-'90s that they garnered widespread fame. Their fifth album, Different Class, released in 1995, became an anthem for a generation, featuring hits like "Common People." The band seamlessly blended social commentary with artful musical compositions, winning numerous awards and critical acclaim as they solidified their place in music history.
After the release of We Love Life in 2001, Pulp initially disbanded. Subsequently, members pursued solo projects, with frontman Jarvis Cocker notably achieving success outside the band. Over the years, whispers of a Pulp reunion always seemed to circulate, and in 2011, the band reformed for a series of tours. However, it wasn’t until a series of performances in 2023 that the flame was truly reignited, drawing huge crowds and renewing interest in their music.
2023 proved crucial for Pulp's resurgence. The band reunited for a series of concerts, including memorable performances at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Primavera Sound. These shows were characterized by not only their greatest hits but the teasing of new material, which created significant buzz among fans and music critics alike.
During these reunion performances, Pulp played several new songs written during their soundchecks, including "Hymn of the North" and "Farmer's Market." The enthusiasm of the audience was palpable, and it became evident that their signature sound had not diminished with time.
The announcement of More has left fans excited. Recorded over just three weeks in late 2024 with producer James Ford in Walthamstow, London, the album is notable for its rapid production timeline. In a statement, Cocker remarked on the creative surge that occurred once the band began performing together again:
“When we started touring again in 2023, we practiced a new song called ‘Hymn of the North’ during sound checks and eventually played it at the end of our second night at Sheffield Arena. This seemed to open the floodgates: We came up with the rest of the songs on this album during the first half of 2024. A couple are revivals of ideas from the last century.”
The collaborative nature of the project is also noteworthy. Contributions come from various sources, including former Pulp member Richard Hawley and musicians from the All Seeing I collective. Even the Eno family provided backing vocals, adding rich layers to the soundscape.
More consists of eleven tracks that reflect a range of emotions and narrative styles. Some of the songs in the tracklist include:
The lead single, "Spike Island," was described by critics as a powerful reintroduction to Pulp’s message and aesthetic, echoing the themes of youthful rebellion and social critique that permeated their earlier works.
Pulp's return comes at a time when the music landscape sees young audiences increasingly drawn to the '90s and early 2000s. The sense of connection with their past aligns well with a societal nostalgia that has seen classic Rock and Britpop re-emerge in pop culture. The ongoing influence of these genres on both new artists and listeners signifies that Pulp's unique voice remains relevant.
As the band gears up for a series of shows across the UK and North America later this year—co-headlining with LCD Soundsystem—anticipation for both the album and live performances grows. Fans hope to connect with the band in a space that celebrates both the nostalgia of Pulp's earlier music and the fresh tunes from More.
While the announcement of this new album brings excitement, it also comes with a bittersweet note. Pulp's longtime bassist, Steve Mackey, passed away in early 2023 after a short illness. His contributions shaped the band’s sound, and his absence is deeply felt among fans and family. In interviews, Cocker has expressed a sense of honoring Mackey's legacy within this new music, ensuring the spirit of their formative years is felt throughout the album.
As Pulp prepares for the launch of More, they find themselves not just in the throes of nostalgia but at the precipice of a new phase in their storied career. The combination of their past triumphs and the renewed energy from their recent reunions has paved the way for what promises to be a successful comeback.
With tickets for their upcoming shows already in high demand, there's a palpable excitement in the air. As the countdown to June 6 continues, fans can savor the return of a band that has consistently defined and redefined the parameters of Britpop—and, indeed, rock music as a whole.
Q: What is the title of Pulp's new album?
A: The new album is titled More and is set to be released on June 6, 2025.
Q: When was Pulp's last studio album released?
A: Pulp's last studio album before More was We Love Life, released in 2001.
Q: What is the lead single from the new album?
A: The lead single from More is titled "Spike Island," which debuted on April 10, 2025.
Q: Who are the current members of Pulp?
A: The current members of Pulp include Jarvis Cocker (vocals), Candida Doyle (keyboards), Nick Banks (drums), and Mark Webber (guitar).
Q: Will Pulp be touring in support of the new album?
A: Yes, Pulp has announced a series of UK shows and will co-headline a tour in North America later this year with LCD Soundsystem.
Q: What are some themes present in the upcoming album?
A: The new album More reflects themes of social critique, nostalgia, and personal storytelling, resonating with Pulp's characteristic style.
Q: Who produced the album More?
A: The album was produced by James Ford and recorded in a quick three-week span.
Q: How did Steve Mackey’s passing affect the band?
A: Steve Mackey's passing in early 2023 was a significant loss for the band, with Jarvis Cocker mentioning the desire to honor his legacy within the context of their new music.