Pulp Reveals First New Album in 20 Years, Titled “More”

Pulp Revives the Spirit of ’89 with "Spike Island" and an Anticipated New Album

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Published: [Today’s Date]

In a glorious revival that bridges the gap between the nostalgic tunes of the ’90s and today’s vibrant musical landscape, Pulp has returned to capture the hearts of fans with their forthcoming album, featuring the brilliantly named lead single "Spike Island." For those not familiar with the infamous gig that inspired the song, it was a historical moment in British music history—an event shrouded in hazy memories and kaleidoscopic experiences.

Lyrically, "Spike Island" is a product of clarity out of chaos, emerging from the mind of Jason Buckle of Relaxed Muscle fame. During a drunken romp through the historic Spike Island gig—an iconic 1990 concert that forever linked the Stone Roses to the legends of Britpop—a single DJ’s grating catchphrase, “Spike Island, come alive!” became an earworm. This phrase lodged its way into the consciousness of none other than Jarvis Cocker, who, despite not being present at the legendary show, channeled that energy into crafting a second song about the whirlwind of excitement and chaos that encapsulated that fateful day.

“We were almost reborn through that phrase," Cocker reflects. "It felt like it expressed a pure, electric feeling of nostalgia mixed with urgency. Spike Island, indeed, was about capturing what it means to be alive in your youth.”

Pulp will take their celebratory and revitalizing material on the road this June for an extensive UK tour, including two sold-out nights at London’s O2 Arena. It’s a much-anticipated return from a band that defined a generation—one that still resonates with anthems of youth, joy, and a hint of melancholy.

Speaking on how the album came to be, Cocker recounts the journey of re-discovery that unfolded during their tour rehearsals in 2023. “After we played ‘Hymn of the North’ at Sheffield Arena, it felt like the gates opened. Suddenly, pieces for the new album just flowed out of us,” he says, hinting at the album’s seamless blend of old and new ideas.

The album, set for a 2024 release, showcases a musical palette that reflects both the band’s storied past and vibrant present. "A couple are revivals of ideas from last century," Cocker reveals, with notable contributions from artist Richard Hawley and Buckle himself, who penned the music for two songs. Adding to the richness of the album, the Eno family (yes, that Eno) lend their harmonies on one track, while Richard Jones provides lush string arrangements played by the ever-talented Elysian Collective.

As excitement builds and anticipation swells, the tracklist for the new album is now lined up for eager ears:

1. Spike Island
2. Tina
3. Grown Ups
4. Slow Jam
5. Farmers Market
6. My Sex
7. Got To Have Love
8. Background Noise
9. Partial Eclipse
10. The Hymn of the North
11. A Sunset

Pulp’s revival isn’t just about returning for the nostalgia; it’s about infusing bright new narratives into their legacy while honoring the sparks of creativity that first ignited their careers. With "Spike Island" leading the charge, the UK tour promises not just to be a trip down memory lane, but an exhilarating journey into the future of one of Britain’s most beloved bands. For fans new and old, Pulp’s return marks a triumphant rekindling of the magic that made them icons and the promise of new memories waiting to be made.

Written by Line of Best Fit