Pulp: More [Album Review]

Pulp
More
Rough Trade Records [2025]

“A quiet triumph—More trades Britpop swagger for grown-up grace.”

Album Overview: Formed in Sheffield in the late ’70s and fronted by the always-insightful Jarvis Cocker, Pulp hit their stride during the Britpop boom of the ’90s, delivering smart, sharp-edged classics like Different Class and This Is Hardcore. After a long break and a couple of reunion runs—one full of nostalgia, the other more exploratory—the band is back with More, their first studio album in 24 years.

The passing of longtime bassist Steve Mackey in 2023 and some big life shifts for Cocker sparked this new chapter. But More isn’t a victory lap—it’s a gentle reckoning. This is Pulp writing from the now: reflective, raw, and tuned in to life’s in-between moments. Instead of chasing old glory, they’ve crafted something quieter and more personal. It’s less a statement piece and more like a handwritten postcard from an old friend—thoughtful, unexpected, and full of soul.

Musical Style: More floats in a world of delicate strings, soft electronics, and understated arrangements. It still sounds like Pulp—but the bite’s been replaced by a slow-burn charm. Producer James Ford brings warmth and texture to the mix, giving space for the band’s maturity to shine. These songs sway rather than strut, hum instead of shout. The result lands somewhere between twilight pop and chamber rock, with just enough sparkle to feel alive.

Evolution of Sound: This isn’t the same band that once strutted through dancefloors with spiky synths and arch sneers. More is steadier, more spacious, and fully grown-up. Writing together earlier in the process gave these songs room to breathe. It feels like Pulp aren’t chasing fireworks—they’re chasing feeling. And that emotional depth suits them. The hooks are still there, but they hit slower, deeper, and with more intention.

Artists with Similar Fire: If you’re into the introspective side of The National, Blur’s later period, or Richard Hawley’s velvet ballads, this record will feel like home. There’s a touch of Bowie’s Blackstar-era contemplation too—equal parts graceful and grounded. Fans of Elbow or JARV IS… will recognize the mix of poetic detail and big-picture melancholy.

Pivotal Tracks: “Spike Island” kicks off the album with a slow-building anthem—a swirling mix of synths, violin, and slide guitar. Inspired by the infamous 1990 Stone Roses gig, it sets the tone with style and curiosity. “Farmer’s Market” feels like the emotional heart of the album, loosely inspired by Cocker’s relationship with his wife. “The Hymn of the North,” originally composed for the stage, lands with quiet drama, giving the record its spine. “Background Noise” captures the ache of fading closeness, while “Call It a Day” settles into a gentle kind of resignation. These songs form the core of More, balancing memory, melancholy, and meaning.

Lyrical Strength: Jarvis Cocker has always had a way with words, but here he’s more vulnerable than ever. The lyrics feel handwritten—like personal notes scribbled on train tickets or tucked into books. He’s not writing about people; he’s writing to them. Small details hit hard: a scent, a look, a missed moment. It’s less about wit and more about wisdom—quiet observations wrapped in everyday beauty. The honesty cuts deeper than irony ever could.

Final Groove: More doesn’t try to recapture past glories—it chooses something better: to grow older with grace. It’s a subtle, layered record that takes time to unfold, but it lingers in all the right ways. The songs are thoughtful, the band sounds connected, and Jarvis Cocker is still one of the best at turning everyday life into something poetic.

This may not be the return fans expected, but it’s the one that makes sense. And if More is any sign of what’s still to come from Pulp, we’ll gladly take it—one hushed, heartfelt moment at a time.

PULP LINKS
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