Published: October 9, 2025
Photo Credit: Dommett Young Photography.
British progressive rock act CIRCU5 deliver a fearless and conceptually rich album with Clockwork Tulpa, blending complexity, melody, and emotional depth in what stands as one of this year’s finest independent releases.
Originally sent to Rockum earlier this year, Clockwork Tulpa by UK act CIRCU5 reveals itself as one of those albums that demand patience and attention, a clever and multi-layered work that fuses progressive ambition with heartfelt storytelling.
British rock act CIRCU5 return with their new album Clockwork Tulpa, a bold and imaginative work that marks the band’s first release as a full ensemble and one of the most intriguing independent progressive records of 2025.
Formed by musician and producer Steve Tilling, CIRCU5 began as an ambitious solo project back in 2017 with its self-titled debut. Eight years later, Clockwork Tulpa brings a new creative chemistry to the mix, with Mark Kilminster (Tin Spirits) on vocals and Lee Moulding on drums. The result is a record that expands CIRCU5’s sound into a full-band experience filled with personality, emotion, and fearless musicianship.
Tilling explains that the creative shift was both necessary and revitalizing: “Apart from a few guest spots, the debut album was a solo effort and quite a lonely experience. With Mark and Lee in the band, CIRCU5 can now establish its own unique identity. I’m excited about where we can take the band next.”
Behind its conceptual layers and cryptic title, Clockwork Tulpa continues the story of Grady, a character shaped by the mysterious CIRCU5 organization. Beneath the narrative lies a deeper reflection on trauma, control, and self-discovery, themes that resonate with the struggles of modern life. “It’s not just storytelling,” adds Tilling. “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.”
Musically, Clockwork Tulpa embraces the adventurous spirit of classic British prog while injecting it with fresh energy and modern edge. Tracks such as Freakshow Train, Skin Machine, Clockwork Tulpa, and Infinite Lucid Geometric Fever Dream showcase complex arrangements, angular riffs, and inventive time signatures, all while maintaining a strong melodic backbone. Each single released ahead of the album displayed a different shade of CIRCU5’s artistry, from theatrical intensity to introspective elegance.
As a collector, I must highlight the physical edition of Clockwork Tulpa, a truly luxurious item. Presented in a beautifully designed hardback-book-style case, the album includes a 24-page lyric booklet, an insert detailing the CIRCU5 story, access to studio-quality downloads and streaming, and a bonus acoustic version of Scars. It is the kind of release that reminds you why physical formats still matter: tactile, immersive, and made with love. For anyone who values craftsmanship and high-quality editions, this is a must-have addition to any serious collection.
The latest single, Infinite Lucid Geometric Fever Dream, dives deep into surreal territory with a hallucinatory lyric video. Tilling describes it as “about those endless knotty dreams you get when you're ill, the ones where your brain won’t let you rest until you’ve completed impossible geometric puzzles. You wake up feeling like you’ve run a marathon.”
Clockwork Tulpa is available now on all streaming platforms and for order at: Click Here
Official Facebook: Click Here
For its musical depth, emotional resonance, and exceptional physical presentation, Clockwork Tulpa stands as one of the finest independent releases of 2025; a testament to the vision and dedication of CIRCU5.
Recently, CIRCU5 announced an exciting new chapter with the addition of guitarist and vocalist Paul New, as the band prepares to return to the stage. A longtime supporter of CIRCU5, Paul brings more than three decades of live experience and a deep personal connection to the project.
Frontman Steve Tilling shared: “Back in 2012, when I came up with the idea for CIRCU5, Paul was the first person to like what I was doing. The first song I released was Stars, and he loved it. His support spurred me on when CIRCU5 was barely more than an idea. So to have him in the band now is a dream come true. Add in the fact he’s an incredible guitarist and vocalist, and we have the right man to take CIRCU5 on the road.”
Paul said: “It’s an absolute thrill to step into a band I’ve admired since day one. To me, CIRCU5 is a masterful blend of songcraft, evocative lyrics and amazing hooks. Getting the chance to bring this music to life on stage with players like Steve, Lee and Mark is a privilege and I can’t wait for fans to experience it live.”
Tracklist:
Make No Sound
Sing Now
Freakshow Train
Skin Machine
Infinite Lucid Geometric Fever Dream
Clockwork Tulpa
Violet
Change the Weather
Don’t Spare Me
Scars
Scars (Acoustic Bonus Download)
Clockwork Tulpa by CIRCU5 is one of those honest, ambitious, and full of heart. I invite every Rockum reader and listener to give it a chance. You might just find one of your favorite discoveries of 2025.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist & Producer of the Rockum Radio Show
