Pulp Releases First Album in 24 Years, Titled ‘More’
Pulp Announce Long-Awaited Return with New Album More and Single "Spike Island"
After nearly a quarter of a century, Britpop legends Pulp are making a seismic return to the music scene with the announcement of their first new album since 2001. Titled More, the album is slated for release on June 6, 2025, via Rough Trade. The excitement surrounding this return is palpable, fueled by a nostalgic longing for the band’s distinctive sound, which has shaped the landscape of British music since the early ’90s.
The album, comprising 11 tracks, was crafted during a concentrated three-week recording session at Orbb Studio in Walthamstow, London, under the expert guidance of producer James Ford. Pulp’s frontman Jarvis Cocker revealed in a recent statement that the creative juices began to flow during the band’s live reunion in 2023. “When we started touring again…we practiced a new song called ‘Hymn Of The North’ during soundchecks… This seemed to open the floodgates,” Cocker shared. Indeed, the resurgence of creativity has led to a body of work that promises to resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
Among the album’s highlights are contributions from notable collaborators, including Richard Hawley and Jason Buckle. Cocker noted that some tracks are revivals of ideas from a bygone era, adding a rich tapestry of influences that hark back to Pulp’s roots. Significantly, the Eno family lends their voices to backing vocals on one song, while string arrangements by Richard Jones, executed by the Elysian Collective, promise a lush sonic landscape.
More is not just another album; it is a poignant tribute dedicated to the band’s late bassist, Steve Mackey, who passed away in March 2023. Cocker’s emotional commitment to this project underscores the reflective nature of Pulp’s lyrics, which have always wrapped humor and heartache in equal measure.
To serve as a tantalizing precursor to the album, Pulp has dropped a video for lead single "Spike Island." The track embodies the quintessential Pulp essence—cleverly woven narratives and infectious melodies. The music video, crafted to encapsulate the spirit of the song, is a visual feast and mirrors the band’s signature style, inviting both old fans and newcomers to revel in its nostalgic charm.
With More, Pulp embarks on a new chapter while honoring their illustrious past, promising a blend of biting wit and emotional depth that has defined their legacy. This long-awaited release marks a notable moment in contemporary music, one that echoes the vibrantly introspective years of the ’90s while also forging ahead into uncharted territory.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check out the mesmerizing video for "Spike Island" below. The anticipation for More is building, and it looks set to be one of 2025’s most significant musical events.
