We last saw Steve Tilling six years ago when he performed in TC&I, which saw XTC’s Colin Moulding and Terry Chambers perform songs by the much-loved English pop act live for the first time in decades.
Tilling, whose day job is as founder of prog rock outfit CIRCU5, took on the Andy Partridge role admirably on guitar and vocals in both TC&I and then briefly a spell in Chambers’ EX-TC.
Following a period recovering from Long Covid, Tilling is back with a second CIRCU5 album, Clockwork Tulpa.
He explains that this is a different beast to the band’s debut, which apart from a few guest musicians “was a solo effort – and quite a lonely experience”.
For the band’s sophomore release the band is more of a collective, involving Colin Moulding’s son Lee and Mark Kilminster, frontman with Tin Spirits, which is another XTC linked act having featured Dave Gregory on guitar.
“With Mark and Lee in the band, CIRCU5 can now establish its own unique identity,” adds Tilling.
In prog rock tradition, its another concept album, continuing the story of first album character Grady, who has been created by a mysterious organisation called CIRCU5.
“It’s not just storytelling,” says Steve.
“It’s a reflection on how people navigate the trauma of tough childhoods without falling prey to isolating belief systems. But ultimately, it’s about making the best songs we can.”
The result is a fine collection of exciting pop and rock packed full of strong melodies. Imagine XTC, the Swindon act that Tilling and co are so linked with, with added overdrive.
This is especially on the album’s title track and Violet.
Add into that a dash of Cardiacs, especially on the intricate opener Make No Sound.
Elsewhere, Sing Now should be firmly filed under ‘epic’, while Freakshow Train is undoubtedly the single and among the strongest of tracks. Change the Weather is another strong radio friendly track as is Skin Machine.
Honourable mentions go to the best titled track Infinite Lucid Geometric Fever Dream, which has echoes of classic chart rock of the 80s.
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