Circu5

Circu5 (pronounced "sur-kuh-five" and often typset as CIRCU5) is a British progressive rock band blending contemporary guitar-driven rock with narrative-driven songwriting. The project was created by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Steve Tilling, initially as a solo concept before evolving into a full band.^[4][5][6]

Circu5
Circu5 performing at Robin 2, Bilston, in 2019
Background information
Origin	Swindon, Wiltshire, England
Genres	Progressive rock[1] art rock[2] progressive pop[3]
Years active	2012-present
Labels	ST Productions
Members	Steve Tilling Mark Kilminster Lee Moulding Paul New
Past members	Matt Backer Paul Clark Chris O'Leary Greg Pringle

History

Formation and debut album (2012–2017)

Tilling began developing what would become Circu5 in 2012, with the intention of creating music independently and on his own terms. The self-titled debut album was released in 2017.^[7] The record featured contributions from several guest musicians, including Dave Gregory of XTC.^[8][9][10] The debut album introduced Circu5’s central concept: the story of "Grady", a character raised as a psychopath within a covert organisation known as Circu5.^[11]

Hiatus, transition to full band and second album (2018–2025)

In 2018, Tilling joined TC&I, the band of XTC members Colin Moulding and Terry Chambers, in which he met TC&I bandmate and future Circu5 drummer Lee Moulding (Colin’s son).^[12][13] When TC&I disbanded, Tilling became the lead singer and guitarist for EXTC, another XTC-related project featuring Chambers.^[14][15] On leaving EXTC in late 2022, Tilling refocused on Circu5. The band completed their second album, Clockwork Tulpa, which was released in March 2025.^[16]

In June 2025, guitarist and vocalist Paul New joined the line-up, making Circu5 a four-piece band consisting of Tilling, New, Mark Kilminster (bass, vocals) and Lee Moulding (drums, vocals).^[17]

Concept

Circu5’s music is built around the fictional narrative of "Grady": a child raised to become an ultra-high-functioning psychopath. The storyline proposes that, in the early 1970s, the UK government established a secret research group, codenamed "Circu5". The group comprised five scientists (a psychologist, neuroscientist, child behaviourist, geneticist, and sociologist) tasked with eradicating psychopathy from society while harnessing positive traits from the condition for state, corporate, and military purposes.

The group's codename references both the five scientists and circus sideshows, with the latter symbolising the isolation of “psychological curiosities” for study rather than entertainment.

According to Tilling, the story is a metaphor for themes such as "overcoming negative past experiences, breaking the cycle of abuse, and retaining critical thinking skills to resist cults and conspiratorial mindsets."^[18]

Musical style

Circu5’s sound is characterised by guitar-driven rock with progressive rock flourishes, unusual time changes, and layered vocal harmonies. Their work combines narrative storytelling with contemporary rock arrangements.^[19][20][21]

Members

Current members

• Steve Tilling – vocals, guitar (2012–present)^[17]
• Mark Kilminster – bass, vocals (2018–present)^[17]
• Lee Moulding – drums, vocals (2018–present)^[17]
• Paul New – guitar, vocals (2025–present)^[17]

Former members

• Matt Backer^[22]
• Paul Clark^[23]
• Chris O'Leary^[24]
• Greg Pringle^[25]

Discography

Studio albums

• Circu5 (2017)
• Clockwork Tulpa (2025)

Reception

Circu5’s self-titled debut album received positive reviews from the rock press. Prog magazine described it as "compelling… tight, dark and intelligent".^{[26][27][28][29][30][31]}

The band's second album, Clockwork Tulpa, also received positive reviews. Classic Rock magazine described the album's "melodic magic". Prog magazine stated the album was "a sum-of-its-parts concept record packed to the brim with earworms and technicality."^{[32][33][34][35][36][37]}