Pulp Returns: The Britpop Icons Unveil Their Thoughtful and Mature New Album

Jarvis Cocker remains a sharp commentator. As the mop-haired, bespectacled lead of Pulp, the revered Britpop group, he is sought after for his clever turns of phrase and vivid allusions that also color his songwriting.

When gathered recently with his longtime bandmates at London's Barbican Center to discuss their latest album, Cocker freely shared insights into the foundations of pop music — describing it as rooted in 'repressed feelings' — and the unique challenges musicians face, including the difficulty of obtaining insurance, which he noted is significantly pricier for artists.

He also expressed concern over the impact of streaming services, lamenting how contemporary listeners might go through life without ever replaying a single track, instead letting music drift past like background ambiance.

True to their name, Pulp’s music remains raw and visceral, offering wry, danceable anthems that examine social hierarchies — exemplified by their enduring 1995 hit 'Common People.' Cocker reflected that what made Pulp’s songs compelling was their often frenzied energy, as they sought to capture fleeting thoughts or emotional turmoil, sometimes bordering on hysteria.

That restless spirit defined their success in the 1990s. However, their latest album, 'More' — released on June 6 after nearly 25 years — adopts a more introspective tone, allowing for greater space and reflection. When Cocker previewed the album at Rough Trade’s offices, a colleague remarked that it felt 'very age appropriate,' a compliment he warmly embraced at 61.

At the Barbican, where they have performed many times, Cocker’s bandmates — keyboardist Candida Doyle, guitarist Mark Webber, and drummer Nick Banks — shared banter with their frontman and semi-democratic leader, occasionally teasing him with affection.