Pulp… Britpop’s sharpest-tongued band. Led by Jarvis Cocker, the legendary British group returned after 24 years with their single “Spike Island” on April 10, 2025. The track both winks at the past and salutes the spirit of today, blending the fierce energy born on stage with a melancholy filtered through post-punk and indie rock.
A Bridge Between Nostalgia and the Future
“Spike Island” references the Stone Roses concert in 1990, but it’s no tale of comfort found in nostalgia. Jarvis Cocker shouts:
“I was born to perform, it’s a calling / I exist to do this—shouting and pointing”
At once confronting nostalgia and celebrating the thrill of being reborn on stage, the song moves along a line between past and future through disco bass, slide guitar, and synths dancing in unison. The lyrics’ subtle humor meshes perfectly with Cocker’s signature Britpop wit.
📖 The Backdrop: An Echo from the Legendary Spike Island
The title nods to the chaotic 1990 Stone Roses gig. Jarvis approaches it this way:
“Spike Island references his discomfort with fame… ‘The universe shrugged and moved on’”
Jason Buckle, a DJ who shouted “Spike Island, come alive!” at that concert, inspired the chorus—a modern manifesto of nostalgia and discontent echoing in Cocker’s mind.
🎬 Video: An AI Affair, A Human Story
Directed by Jarvis himself, the video satirizes artificial intelligence: feeding Rankin and Donald’s Different Class photos into an AI app to see what happens. Some images are surreal and strange, but all carry a message—the limits of AI compared to human intelligence.
“The weekend I began work… I don’t know whether I’ve recovered yet… My final thought? H.I. Forever!”
Tom Breihan of Stereogum calls the video “extremely funny… nightmarish… skewers the entire concept of the AI music video.”
🎤 Artist’s Word: Cocker’s Perspective
Jarvis sums up the AI experience in the video as wanting “to see where the computer would take me.”
He says the creative spark reignited during the 2023 tour with the writing of “Hymn of the North.” In a New Yorker interview, he explains how “shouting & pointing” feels like a natural way of being on stage again.
🎵 Live Shows: Genuine and Energetic
During 2024 tours, they tested “Spike Island” demos at Sheffield Arena.
Their live performance on The Jonathan Ross Show was met with great praise, showcasing their renewed stage charisma.
At Glastonbury 2025, they mesmerized the crowd with a secret “Patchwork” set blending new songs and classics.
⭐ Highlight: Recording and Album Era
Not an EP—“Spike Island” leads More, their comeback album and first new Pulp record since 2001’s We Love Life.
The album was recorded in just weeks in London, produced by James Ford.
Released on June 6, 2025, More propelled Pulp to number one on the UK charts for the first time in 24 years.
🗞 Critics & Praise
The Guardian (Alexis Petridis): “An anthemic lead single… with a wary eye on their peak ’90s fame… performing is irresistible.”
Financial Times: “A taste of their first album in 24 years… a knowing sense of what is at stake.”
Clash Music: Praised the “high-pitched whistle… erupting into glorious, technicolour Pulp.”
Stereogum: Called the video “very funny, nightmarish… skewering the concept of AI music videos.”
Reddit Users: “Song is good… AI videos are depressing but this one is a satirical critique.”
✅ Conclusion
“Spike Island” is not just a comeback; it’s a thoughtful, witty, and passionate manifesto of Pulp’s return after 24 years. The song reflects a band reckoning with both its past and the present. The playful AI video underscores the message, while Jarvis Cocker’s commanding stage presence reminds us why they remain icons. With the More album, Pulp hasn’t just returned—they’ve been reborn. 🎙️✨
