After a 24-year hiatus, the iconic British band Pulp is back with their new album More, released in June 2025. This marks their first release since the hugely successful Different Class in 1995. Led by Jarvis Cocker, the band’s return is nothing short of triumphant, earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
Pulp’s absence from the music scene has been marked by growing anticipation from their fanbase. While Cocker pursued solo projects and ventured into various musical and artistic explorations over the years, fans were left wondering when the band would finally reunite. In interviews leading up to the album release, Cocker spoke about the evolution of Pulp’s sound and how the new material reflects the passage of time, yet retains the band’s hallmark wit and social commentary.
The album More reflects Cocker’s signature lyricism, with sharp observations about social class, identity, and love. The title track, “More,” instantly draws the listener into the familiar world of Pulp’s music—mixing pop melodies with satirical lyrics. However, there is an undeniable sense of maturity in Cocker’s vocal delivery and the album’s production, which blends elements of brittle pop and glam rock with the modernist flourishes of synthpop.
Exploring New Territory
What sets More apart from its predecessors is how the band has embraced more modern sounds. Synthesizers and electronic elements dominate the opening track, “On Fire,” while the track “Digital Love” explores themes of online relationships and identity in the digital age. The band is clearly aware of how the world has changed since the 1990s, and this new album reflects both the nostalgia for the past and the realities of the present.
While More is unmistakably a Pulp album, there are moments where the band’s sound has evolved in a way that feels fresh and relevant to contemporary music listeners. On “Love Forever,” the band blends synth-driven melodies with driving bass lines, offering a song that could easily be played in modern indie clubs across the world.
Critical Reception
Critics have widely praised More for its boldness and relevance. In its review, The Guardian described the album as “a flawless return, blending Pulp’s biting commentary with an updated sound that reflects the changing times.” The review highlights Cocker’s ability to turn mundane experiences—such as taking public transport or navigating social media—into stories of emotional significance.
The album also delves into themes that are still very much alive in today’s political climate. “The Fading Star,” one of the standout tracks, reflects on celebrity culture, class struggle, and the fluctuating nature of fame. It’s classic Pulp, sharply dissecting modern issues with wry humor and melancholic insight.
The Future of Pulp
With More, Pulp has not only proved that they still have relevance but have also paved the way for future projects. While Cocker has hinted that this may be the band’s final studio album, fans remain hopeful that Pulp’s comeback will extend into more touring and new material in the coming years.
Pulp’s return with More has undoubtedly been one of the most anticipated musical events of 2025, and the album’s success reaffirms the band’s place in the pantheon of British pop music legends. For many, this return is a reminder of Pulp’s unique ability to capture the essence of social consciousness and ironic humor in their music.