Pulp, the Sheffield band that defined a generation of British music, has made its new EP, “The Man Comes Around,” widely available on streaming platforms. Previously released as a limited-edition 12” vinyl exclusive through Rough Trade, the EP features two newly recorded tracks alongside a distinctive cover of Johnny Cash’s iconic song, “The Man Comes Around.” The release arrives as the band continues to navigate life after the loss of bassist Steve Mackey in 2023 and ahead of a highly anticipated series of live performances.
The EP’s two original songs, “Marrying For Love” and “Cold Call On The Hotline,” offer a glimpse into the band’s continued lyrical dexterity. “Marrying For Love” is described as a lounge-infused ballad, although “Cold Call On The Hotline” delivers a darkly humorous narrative of desperation, with frontman Jarvis Cocker wryly observing, “I’ve heard of phone sex, but phone impotence, that’s a new one on me.” These tracks were born from the same recording sessions that produced Pulp’s critically acclaimed 2023 album, “More,” their first in 24 years.
A Haunting Cover and a Dramatic Tie-In
The EP’s centerpiece, Pulp’s rendition of Johnny Cash’s “The Man Comes Around,” takes on added resonance through its inclusion in the ITV drama series, The Hack. The series, which premiered in 2023, dramatizes the 2011 phone hacking scandal that led to the closure of Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World newspaper. The song appears in a pivotal scene, lending a somber and reflective tone to the unfolding narrative of journalistic misconduct and its consequences. The choice of Cash’s song, originally released in 2002, feels particularly apt given its themes of reckoning, and judgment.
The band’s return with “More” was met with widespread acclaim, earning a four-star review from NME, who praised the album as “everything you’d want a Pulp album to be, made richer from some lived experience.” The review also noted how Pulp, alongside contemporaries like Blur and Suede, have successfully retained their original spirit while evolving with age, creating work that remains vital and relevant.
Navigating Loss and Looking Ahead
The creation of “More,” and subsequently this EP, was deeply affected by the passing of Steve Mackey in March 2023. Cocker spoke candidly about the impact of Mackey’s death in an interview with NME, stating, “It was a big blow to lose him. On an obvious level, him passing away makes you consider your own mortality and what you want to do with your life. That was a bit of a spur to create things because we were still in a position where we could do that.” Mackey’s contributions to Pulp’s sound and legacy are undeniable, and his absence is keenly felt.
Despite the emotional weight of Mackey’s passing, Pulp is actively looking forward. The band has announced a limited number of live dates, including a major headline concert at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on August 3, 2026, with support from Self Esteem. Tickets for the Manchester show are currently on sale via Ticketmaster. Tickets are available here.
Beyond the Manchester date, Pulp is also slated to headline the End Of The Road Festival in 2026 and the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid. These performances represent a significant moment for the band, offering fans a chance to experience their music live after a long hiatus.
The Possibility of More
While the focus remains on the current tour dates and the newly released EP, the possibility of further new music from Pulp hasn’t been ruled out. Cocker recently hinted at the potential for additional songs, telling NME, “Maybe. We tried to not have a concept for this record or think, ‘This is it, this is our last gas’. I used to think that a lot.” This sentiment echoes a shift in perspective, a willingness to embrace the creative process without the pressure of defining a final chapter. Bandmates Nick Banks and Candida Doyle have also expressed openness to further releases, suggesting an EP or single could be on the horizon.
Listen to “The Man Comes Around” EP below:
Pulp’s continued evolution, marked by both loss and renewed creative energy, demonstrates the enduring power of their music and their connection with audiences. The band’s next confirmed public appearance will be at the End of the Road Festival in September 2026.
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