Spike Island Review – Pulp: Indie Is Back [4/5]

Guide

Pulp are still arguably one of the most influential indie bands in the UK as evidenced by the reaction to the news that they are going to be releasing their first album in 24 years, titled “More” through Rough Trade Records on the 6th June 2025. Although we are yet to hear the album in full, we have been given a sneak preview in the form of their latest single, “Spike Island” which has been produced by James Ford and I have to say, we are all in for a treat here.

The band from Sheffield have been providing infectious indie since their formation in 1978, they did not truly make their mark until the 1990s but during their tenure, they have provided countless anthems, we recently listed their top 10 tracks, you can view that article here.

Song Analysis (Spike Island Review )

“Spike Island” is quintessential Pulp but maybe without the glammer of their biggest hits. Moreover, it may not have all the ingredients to become another classic for the Yorkshire outfit given that it is not quite as catchy as say “Disco 2000” or “Common People” but it fits in well with the current scene. The band explore here, they welcome a new era and the chorus has an almighty power which cannot be ignored. The key the band go for is G Major and it features a danceable groove with a steady pace of 113bpm.

Pulp – “Spike Island” Lyrics (Spike Island Review)

Something stopped me dead in my tracks
I was headed for disaster and then I turned back
I was wrestling with a coat hanger, can you guess who won?
The universe shrugged, shrugged then moved on

It’s a guess, no idea
It’s a feeling
Not a voice in my head
Just a feeling

And by the way
Spike Island come alive by the way
This time I’ll get it right, oh

Not a shaman, or a showman, ashamed I was selling the rights
I took a breather, and decided not to ruin my life
I was conforming to a cosmic design
I was playing to type
Until I walked back to the gardеn of earthly delights

I was born to perform
It’s a calling
I еxist to do this
Shouting and pointing

And by the way
Spike Island come alive by the way
This time I’ll get it right, oh

No-one will ever understand it
And no-one will ever have the last word
Because it’s not something you could ever say
So swivel

Ahhhh
It’s a guess, no idea
It’s a feeling
Not a voice
In my head
Just a feeling

And by the way
Spike Island come alive by the way, uh
And this time I’ll get it right, yeah
And by the way
Spike Island come alive by the way
This time I’ll get it right, oh

Meaning (My Opinion) (Spike Island Review)

Jarvis Corker investigates life’s erratic turns and the introspection accompanying them. Moreover, the opening lines convey a moment of realization, where Jarvis almost veers into disaster but turns back just at the right time, symbolized by the humorous image of wrestling with a coat hanger (Yes, only Jarvis could make that sound cool).

This moment captures the chaotic unpredictability of life, as the universe simply “shrugs” and moves on. It highlights a sense of existential ambiguity, where Jarvis isn’t following a clear, defined path but is instead guided by an internal, almost instinctive feeling—a sensation of knowing without understanding. As Jarvis negotiates a sense of destiny against self-imposed constraints, his lyrics express the idea that life is less about certainty and instead more about following an emotional pull.

The song also touches on themes of artistic purpose and self-empowerment. The line “I was born to perform” suggests that Jarvis is reclaiming his calling, asserting that his purpose is inherently tied to self-expression and performance. This reclaiming of self is further illustrated as Jarvis decides not to “ruin [his] life” by conforming to external pressures.

The reference to Spike Island to me is both real and symbolic, perhaps Jarvis is alluding to the legendary 1990s Pulp concert there where the concept of personal emancipation and reinventions comes to life. Either way, “Spike Island” speaks to a struggle for authenticity, where Jarvis moves away from societal expectations and embraces his true purpose and it culminates in the resolution that this time, he will get it right.