Musically, Circu5 mix big hooks, sharp riffs and wild twists with a story about a man engineered to become a high-functioning psychopath.
The band's 2017 self-titled debut featured a guest spot from XTC's Dave Gregory, and fan favourite "The Amazing Monstrous Grady".
Prog Magazine described Clockwork Tulpa (2025) as "hip-shaking rock and winding prog, packed to the brim with earworms", while The Big Takeover called it "the perfect blend of muscle and melody."
Circu5 (pronounced "sur-kuh-five") began life in 2012 as the solo project of Steve Tilling, following several years away from music. "I missed writing and playing. I wanted to make something on my terms and feel inspired again."
Five years later, the debut album proved the concept. But doing everything alone came at a cost: "I’m glad I did it, but it was hard going." The next step was clear: put a band together.
In 2018, Steve brought in Lee Moulding (drums) and Mark Kilminster (bass), establishing the core line-up. Circu5 then paused while Steve worked with TC&I and another XTC-related band, before he returned with renewed focus.
Guitarist Paul New joined in 2025. "Paul was the first to appreciate my Circu5 demos back in 2012. Having him in the band feels like things have come full circle."
The Circu5 story centres on a classified UK government programme, “CIRCU5”, established in the early 1970s to reshape society through secret human experiments.
Its work focused on creating individuals with the positive traits of psychopathy – confidence, focus and emotional detachment – but without its destructive behaviours.
Subjects were raised in CIRCU5’s research facility until age three, then placed in controlled home environments.