(headline image: CIRCU5, L-R: Mark Kilminster, Steve Tilling, Lee Moulding. Photo by Dommett Young Photography.)
British progressive rock band CIRCU5 has released a new single, “Freakshow Train,” accompanied by a visually striking music video. This marks the band’s first release as a complete lineup, featuring founder Steve Tilling alongside Mark Kilminster (bass, vocals) and Lee Moulding (drums, vocals). The single paves the way for their upcoming album, Clockwork Tulpa, set to release on March 7, 2025—nearly eight years after their debut.
The “Freakshow Train” video, directed by Dan Sollis, weaves band performance footage with evocative visuals from videographer Lou Dommett Young and artist Jennie Anderson. According to Tilling, the song addresses universal feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. “It’s a rallying cry for anyone struggling with self-worth,” he explains. “We’re all riding the same train.”
The delay in releasing Clockwork Tulpa stemmed from personal and professional hurdles, including Tilling’s battle with Long Covid in 2020, which left him incapacitated for a year. Reflecting on the challenges, he said, “There were times I thought we’d never finish this album, but the results make all the struggles worth it.”
Founded as a solo project by Tilling, CIRCU5 gained attention with their 2017 self-titled debut, which featured guest contributions from Dave Gregory (XTC, Big Big Train) and Phil Spalding (Mike Oldfield). The band blends progressive, psychedelic, and classic rock influences with a focus on dynamic storytelling and intricate songwriting.
With Clockwork Tulpa, CIRCU5 transitions from solo project to cohesive band, promising a new chapter in their evolution. Fans can look forward to the album’s release in early 2025.