Pulp review – Jarvis Cocker’s captivating comeback turns a rapt crowd rapturous

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Pulp Celebrates Return with New Album and Enthralling Live Performance"

Pulp review – Jarvis Cocker’s captivating comeback turns a rapt crowd rapturous analysis cover image The Guardian 7.3
Image Source: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/f7cb88a49abfb5881b4b7630354c419904f9e84e/468_0_4840_3872/master/4840.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctcmV2aWV3LTQucG5n&enable=upscale&s=dd951f67f20fb8582cec538ee6c7aa65
Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/08/pulp-review-jarvis-cocker-ovo-hydro-glasgow
View Raw Article Source (External Link)
Raw Article Publish Date:
AI Analysis Average Score: 7.3
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Pulp's recent concert marked a significant moment in the band's history, as it was the first performance in 24 years featuring new material from their album 'More,' released just a day prior. The atmosphere was electric as the audience, eager for a fresh experience, welcomed the new single 'Spike Island' with open arms. Lead singer Jarvis Cocker made a striking entrance, flanked by cardboard cutouts of his bandmates from their iconic 1995 album, 'Different Class.' This nostalgic visual was complemented by the band’s live presence, which included guitarist Mark Webber, drummer Nick Banks, and keyboardist Candida Doyle. The concert expertly blended tracks from their new album with beloved classics, showcasing a seamless transition between the spacious psychedelia of 'Farmer's Market' and the uplifting 'Sunrise' from 'We Love Life.' The vibrant stage setup, reminiscent of a 1970s chat show, and Cocker's charismatic performance engaged the crowd throughout the evening.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Pulp's discography, delighting fans across different eras. Notably, tracks from 'This Is Hardcore' were performed live for the first time in over ten years, including 'Help the Aged' and 'The Fear.' Cocker's performance was both theatrical and intimate, as he shared the spotlight with inflatable air dancers, adding a layer of absurdity to the performance that matched the song's themes. The concert culminated in a powerful rendition of 'Common People,' which remains relevant decades after its release. Even after playing their biggest hit, Pulp left the audience captivated with a semi-acoustic version of 'A Sunset,' the final track from 'More.' This ability to engage the crowd with both new and classic material exemplifies Pulp's enduring appeal as they embark on their UK and Ireland tour until June 21.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The review presents an enthusiastic account of Pulp's recent comeback concert, highlighting the excitement surrounding their new album, "More." The article captures the essence of the event, reflecting on both the nostalgia of long-time fans and the introduction of new material. It serves to celebrate the band's return while gauging audience reactions to the new songs.

Audience Engagement and Expectation

The article emphasizes the connection between the band and its audience, showcasing how Pulp's return is not merely a nostalgic trip but also a significant moment for fans eager to hear new music. The mention of the new album released just before the concert indicates that the performance serves as a test of how well the new material is received. The enthusiastic reception of the opening song, "Spike Island," indicates that the audience's desire for Pulp's new direction aligns with their expectations.

Artistic Presentation

The review describes the vibrant stage presence and theatricality of the performance, illustrating how the band's aesthetic choices resonate with its music. The staging, complete with cardboard cutouts and a full string section, enhances the connection to past eras while bridging to contemporary elements. This artistic presentation helps reinforce the notion that Pulp is not just revisiting its past but is actively evolving its sound and performance style.

Historical Context

By referencing the band's history and its previous hiatus, the article situates the concert within a broader narrative of resurgence. The inclusion of older songs alongside new material suggests an acknowledgment of the band's legacy while simultaneously inviting fans to engage with their latest work. This blend serves to validate both the old and the new, making the performance a comprehensive experience for attendees.

Possible Manipulative Elements

While the article radiates positivity, it could be argued that it selectively highlights only the favorable aspects of the concert, potentially downplaying any criticisms that may arise from the new material. By focusing on the successful reception of the new songs and the nostalgia of the performance, it may inadvertently create an overly optimistic view of the band's comeback. However, this is a common practice in concert reviews, where the goal is often to celebrate the experience rather than critique it.

Cultural Impact

The excitement surrounding Pulp's comeback can influence the music industry and cultural discussions around nostalgia and the revival of past artists. As the audience embraces both the old and new, it signals a broader acceptance and appreciation for artists revisiting their roots while innovating. This could encourage other bands to explore similar paths, potentially reshaping industry trends.

Market Implications

In terms of economic impact, the concert and new album may bolster Pulp's brand value and sales, benefiting music-related stocks or companies involved in live events. As audiences show interest in nostalgia-driven performances, companies that cater to these concerts may see increased investment and interest, impacting their market performance.

The reliability of the article rests on its vivid descriptions and the positive reception from attendees. However, it lacks dissenting opinions that could provide a more balanced view, which makes it essential to consider the potential biases in concert reviews.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/08/pulp-review-jarvis-cocker-ovo-hydro-glasgow

Athick velvet curtain cocoons the stage as a cool disembodied voice projects over the audience: “This is an encore. An encore occurs because the audience wants more.” Since their initial breakup in 2002, Pulp have re-formed twice, for sold-out tours and festival sets played to loyal, rapturous audiences. Tonight, the stakes are higher: for the first time in 24 years,Pulp have a new album, More, released just one day before tonight’s opening show. The audience want more – but do they want More?

Any anxiety about new material is quashed when set opener and comeback single Spike Island is received like an old friend. Jarvis Cocker rises from the back of the stage flanked by cardboard cutouts of his bandmates – recognisable from the cover of 1995’s Different Class – before joining their real-life counterparts, guitarist Mark Webber, drummer Nick Banks and keyboardist Candida Doyle, downstage. Continuing this mood, old and new songs on the setlist complement each other: the spacious psychedelia of More’s Farmer’s Market leads into the wide-eyed wonder of Sunrise from We Love Life; and the high stakes disco of O.U. (Gone, Gone) is echoed in its new counterpart Got to Have Love. With its illuminated staircase, kitschy backdrops and full string section, the stage is reminiscent of a 1970s chatshow set, with Cocker holding court in a corduroy suit, taking a seat – and occasionally laying down – during the spoken word sections, but always captivating.

The setlist caters for fans of most Pulp eras, but This Is Hardcore heads are truly spoiled, with Help the Aged and The Fear both played live for the first time in over a decade. The latter sees Cocker share the limelight with four inflatable air dancers, somehow perfectly encapsulating the song’s ennui in their gigantic absurdity. This Is Hardcore begins with the strings-only End of the Line mix, maximising the luxe melodrama before laying on its heavy dread. A hits-packed final run ends with Common People, somehow still thrilling – and relevant – 30 years after its release. The curtains are drawn, but the band return for a semi-acoustic version of A Sunset, the final track from More. It says a lot about this beloved group that, after playing their biggest hit, they can play an album track released yesterday to the same rapt attention.

Pulp tour the UK and Ireland until 21 June

Back to Home
Source: The Guardian