Pulp Announce New Album, First in 24 Years

After a remarkable hiatus, the illustrious Britpop band Pulp is making a stellar return with their much-anticipated album More, marking their first release in nearly 24 years. This resurgence signifies a revival of the band's iconic flair that captured the hearts of millions during their heyday in the 1990s. Due for release on June 6, 2025, More will include a premiere single titled “Spike Island.”

Pulp's story is one of transformation and evolution, a journey that began in Sheffield in 1978. The band hit the peak of their fame in the 1990s with tracks like “Common People” and “Disco 2000,” becoming one of the emblematic faces of the Britpop era. Despite their success, the group disbanded following the release of We Love Life in 2001, leaving a legacy that many assumed was yet another chapter closed in the rock history books. However, rumors of their reunion began to stir after the band's successful 2023 reunion tour, which ultimately spurred their return to the studio.

The creation of More was facilitated by producer James Ford, renowned for his collaborations with bands like Arctic Monkeys. The album was recorded over a rapid three-week period in London’s Walthamstow, showcasing a shift in the band’s recording process, which was previously described by Cocker as a tedious and often stressful endeavor. This time, both the lyrics and music were largely finalized prior to entering the studio, allowing the band to produce their work minus previous stressors, lending to the album's swift completion.

This return is also tinged with a sense of tribute; the album is dedicated to the late Steve Mackey, Pulp’s former bassist who passed away in 2023. His influence remains through pieces he worked on, thus solidifying his enduring presence within the band’s narrative. While Pulp has announced a set of UK tour dates following the album's release, including two sold-out nights at the O2 arena in London, they have ruled out a performance at Glastonbury this year, despite having headlined the festival in the past.

As Pulp gears up for this new chapter, it is clear that More not only represents the band's return but also a continuation of their storied narrative in the music world. Through this release, Pulp is inviting both longtime fans and new listeners into their unique world, reaffirming the band’s place as a poignant force within the landscape of British music.