Iconic Britpop group Pulp returns after a 24-year hiatus with their new album titled 'More.' Even they express astonishment at this comeback.
LET'S DIVE BACK INTO PULP'S WORLDNew York (AP) - After a whopping 24 years, Pulp is back with a brand-new album, ready to shake up the music scene all over again. As frontman Jarvis Cocker tells it, even they were caught off guard by the comeback.
"Hell, we didn't see this one coming either," Cocker laughs, kicking off a breezy interview with The Associated Press. "Why not, though? Let's embrace the unexpected and stir things up a bit!"
While Pulp may have flown under the radar for some, the ambitious Britpop crew emerged in the late '70s in Sheffield, England, with a unique blend of glam, grit, and of course, Cocker's slightly awkward charisma. Fame evaded them until the mid-'90s, riding the wave of Cool Britannia. Yet, unlike their contemporaries Blur and Oasis, Pulp reigned supreme, pumping out David Bowie-inspired synth-pop with humor, tongue-twisting ambiguity, and intellectual lyrics about sex and class consciousness.
Alongside their devout fanbase sprawling across generations, Pulp has left an indelible mark on music and culture. The band's allure grew even stronger during reunion tours in 2011 and 2022—not to mention, their legendary live performances in the heyday that lucky fans were graced with. With such an illustrious reputation ahead, it's a relief to see them feeding their dedicated fans with a fresh new album titled "More."
What's the Deal with "More"?
What pushed Pulp to hit the studio again? As drummer Nick Banks humorously quips, "Well, we were still getting along with each other, and the pain wasn't too unbearable." The band began working a new song, "The Hymn of the North," into their reunion show run—one that seemed to strike a chord with audiences.
More significantly, the band's bassist and core member, Steve Mackey, passed away in 2023. Cocker shares, "His passing made me realize we don't have endless time. Why wait? Shouldn't we give it a shot, create something worthwhile?" And so, they did.
Cocker ensured the recording process would be swift, cranking it out in a mere three weeks—a remarkable feat for a band known for torturing themselves over latter records like 1998's "This Is Hardcore." Guitarist Mark Webber describes a newfound enthusiasm, with the band eager to avoid a drawn-out, years-long recording process that they often struggled with in the past.
An unexpected addition to the songwriting process came from Cocker himself. For the first time ever, he penned the lyrics in advance before stepping foot in the studio. He shares, "It took me until I was 61 to figure that one out: If you write the words beforehand, the whole experience is a breeze!"
"More" consists of 11 tracks, a mix of new material and revived songs from their career. Bassist Mackey is credited on both the sultry "Grown Ups," originally demoed around "This Is Hardcore," as well as the edgy disco "Got to Have Love," penned around the turn of the millennium.
Evolution and Maturation in Pulp's Music
Growing up is a recurring theme on "More." Cocker, who was once told at school that he had an immature attitude, reflects on the maturation process and its significance. "I never really saw the point in growing up. But I realized, if you want to improve and impact the world, you've got to evolve," he says. "As long as you stay curious and open-minded, you can continue to learn and grow."
Maturity in Pulp's music remains balanced with the raw, unfiltered energy of youth. Fans can expect the band's new album to deliver a unique blend of poignant lyrics, danceable beats, and the signature wit that has made Pulp a timeless icon in the music industry.
So strap on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the beats of "More," hitting shelves on June 6, 2025. And keep an eye out for Pulp's upcoming U.K. and North American tour dates—could this be the start of a new, active era for the band? As Cocker coyly jokes, "The next one might be called 'Even More.' I've still got ideas, and there's so much more to say."
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"The new album by Pulp, titled 'More,' is set to be released in Seattle on June 6, 2025, bringing a unique blend of maturity and youth to the city's entertainment scene. Pulp's frontman, Jarvis Cocker, expressed hope for a new active era, hinting that their next album could be named 'Even More.'"
"As part of the pop-culture scene in Seattle, music lovers can look forward to dancing to Pulp's poignant lyrics, danceable beats, and signature wit, a testament to the enduring influence of the Britpop crew whose roots can be traced back to Sheffield, England."
