Freaks

Pulp’s second full album was obscure even among the band’s thoroughly independent circles at the time of release, very much out of sync with various prevailing trends and exploring its own moody universe. Jarvis Cocker had by this time been joined by new key members Russell Senior and Candida Doyle but the angle throughout was less sparkling anthem and much more darkly contemplative if not dour songs such as “Master of the Universe” and “There’s No Emotion,” though the concluding “They Suffocate At Night,” title notwithstanding, has a hint of ease.