A legendary return to the music scene has been announced by indie pioneers Pulp, who are set to release their latest album titled More. Alongside this eagerly awaited project comes a new single named after an iconic moment in British music history, "Spike Island." Frontman Jarvis Cocker revealed that the band's reunion tour in 2023 inspired them to step back into the studio. “The audience's enthusiastic reaction to our new material during the tour encouraged us to continue exploring creative possibilities,” he explained.

This Sheffield-based group, renowned for their distinct sound that defied categorization within the Britpop movement of the '90s, boasts hits like "Babies," "Disco 2000," and "Common People." Formed in 1978, they achieved remarkable success over time, selling over 10 million records globally. Following their hiatus after 2001’s We Love Life, the band reunited periodically, most recently in 2023. The new single draws inspiration from the historic Stone Roses concert at Spike Island in Widnes, 1990, which left mixed impressions on attendees due to technical issues. Guitarist Mark Webber noted, “While anticipation was high, the actual experience fell short for many.” Cocker crafted the lyrics based on firsthand accounts, particularly those of musician Jason Buckle, whose collaborative input shaped the track significantly.

The upcoming album, scheduled for release on June 6th, honors former bassist Steve Mackey, who passed away in 2023. Recording without him initially felt strange but included tracks composed during his time with the band, ensuring his presence is felt throughout. Cocker described the recording process as liberating compared to previous efforts, emphasizing the importance of pre-written lyrics in reducing stress. Despite embracing human creativity exclusively, the band utilized artificial intelligence for the innovative video of "Spike Island," transforming static images from their classic album Different Class. This experiment profoundly impacted Cocker, reinforcing his preference for authentic human artistry. While planning a UK tour following the album launch, the band remains undecided about performing at Glastonbury, though their schedule allows flexibility for potential appearances.

Musical legends often find themselves revisiting past glories, yet few manage to reignite the spark with such authenticity as Pulp has demonstrated. Their commitment to originality and respect for cherished memories reflects positively on the industry, encouraging others to value genuine expression over fleeting trends. Through their journey, Pulp reminds us all that true art stems from heartfelt experiences shared across generations.