Pulp have confirmed the release of their first studio album in 24 years, titled ‘More,’ set to arrive on Friday, June 6th, 2025, via Rough Trade Records. The forthcoming long-player, Pulp’s first since the critically acclaimed ‘We Love Life’ in 2001, boasts 11 entirely new tracks. The album was recorded and mixed at Orbb Studio in Walthamstow, London, under the guidance of renowned producer James Ford, known for his work with artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Fontaines D.C., and Pet Shop Boys.
As a preview of ‘More,’ Pulp have unveiled the lead single ‘Spike Island.’ Intriguingly, this marks the second song the band has penned referencing The Stone Roses’ infamous 1990 concert at Spike Island in Widnes, Cheshire, following their 1995 track ‘Sorted for E’s & Wizz’.
Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, who did not attend the Stone Roses gig himself 35 years ago, co-wrote ‘Spike Island’ with attendee Jason Buckle (of Relaxed Muscle). The song’s inspiration stems from a DJ at the event who repeatedly shouted, “Spike Island, come alive!” throughout the day, much to the annoyance of those present.
Reflecting on Pulp’s first album in nearly a quarter-century, Jarvis Cocker shared insights into the creative process, noting that the songs largely emerged following their 2023 reunion tour. He stated, “When we started touring again in 2023, we practiced a new song called “Hymn of the North” during soundchecks & 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.” He further added, “A couple are revivals of ideas from last century. The music for one song was written by Richard Hawley. The music for another was written by Jason Buckle. The Eno family sing backing vocals on a song. There are string arrangements written by Richard Jones & played by the Elysian Collective.”
Cocker also commented on the recording process:
“The album was recorded over 3 weeks by James Ford in Walthamstow, London, starting on November 18th, 2024. This is the shortest amount of time a Pulp album has ever taken to record. It was obviously ready to happen. These are the facts. We hope you enjoy the music. It was written & performed by four human beings from the North of England, aided & abetted by five other human beings from various locations in the British Isles. No A.I. was involved during the process. This album is dedicated to Steve Mackey. This is the best that we can do. Thanks for listening.”
Pulp’s ‘More’ is available to pre-order now from Rough Trade, offered in various formats including a 45 rpm double LP and four distinct single-disc colour vinyl pressings personally curated and named by Jarvis Cocker. These include a widely available “Theresa” green LP, an independent record store exclusive “Blue Sky Thinking” Marble LP, a Sheffield-exclusive “South Yorkshire Sunset” Marble LP, and an “Isha Kriya” ink spot design available solely through Pulp and Rough Trade Records’ online shops.
