Exposé Online

What's old

Exposé print issues (1993-2011)

• 1 (October 1993)
• 2 (February 1994)
• 3 (May 1994)
• 4 (August 1994)
• 5 (October 1994)
• 6 (March 1995)
• 7 (July 1995)
• 8 (November 1995)
• 9 (March 1996)
• 10 (August 1996)
• 11 (February 1997)
• 12 (May 1997)
• 13 (October 1997)
• 14 (February 1998)
• 15 (July 1998)
• 16 (January 1999)
• 17 (April 1999)
• 18 (November 1999)
• 19 (May 2000)
• 20 (October 2000)
• 21 (March 2001)
• 22 (July 2001)
• 23 (December 2001)
• 24 (April 2002)
• 25 (September 2002)
• 26 (February 2003)
• 27 (August 2003)
• 28 (December 2003)
• 29 (April 2004)
• 30 (September 2004)
• 31 (March 2005)
• 32 (September 2005)
• 33 (May 2006)
• 34 (March 2007)
• 35 (January 2008)
• 36 (October 2008)
• 37 (July 2009)
• 38 (July 2010)
• 39 (Summer 2011)

Circu5 — Clockwork Tulpa
((Not on label) no#, 2025, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2025-03-29

Circu5 is a relatively new band, another entry into the area of melodic prog-inflected rock. Their music isn’t based around lengthy epics or vintage keyboards, but there are enough proggy touches to appeal to prog listeners. And presumably, for listeners outside the prog world, Circu5 can be related to other rock bands that don’t lean on metal but really know how to play. The name is pronounced “Circa Five,” if you’re interested, and it started as a solo project of guitarist and songwriter Steve Tilling. Mark Kilminster (bass, vocals) and Lee Moulding (drums, vocals) worked out so well that it became a real band, and Clockwork Tulpa is their second release, following a self-titled album in 2017. Tilling is a strong singer, and the backing vocals are excellent throughout. His writing is also good, with good melodies and interesting arrangements full of variety and changes. One of the first comparisons that comes to mind is the work of Randy McStine and Marco Minnemann, with the same kind of skill and quality in a similar sonic vein. I also get occasional flashes of Mike Keneally’s more rock-oriented work. The guitar work isn’t especially shreddy, but does exhibit a lot of variety in tones and chord choices. Bass and drums are tight and right on the money without sounding mechanical or show-offish. This album consists of ten memorable songs (plus a bonus acoustic version of one) that are worthy of attention — they’ve certainly made my playlist. Circu5 has come up with a tasty synthesis of the rock of the 80s, 90s, and 00s, presented with impeccable musicianship.

---

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Circu5

More info
http://www.circu5.com

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.

• Release: Ichiko Aoba - アダンの風 (Adan No Kaze / Windswept Adan)
  Updated 2025-03-31 14:44:30
• Release: Ichiko Aoba - Luminescent Creatures
  Updated 2025-03-31 14:35:37
• Artist: Ichiko Aoba
  Updated 2025-03-31 14:34:27
• Review: Circe Link & Christian Nesmith - Arcana
  Published 2025-03-31
• Review: John Surman - Flashpoints and Undercurrents
  Published 2025-03-30
• Release: PureH - Signia
  Updated 2025-03-29 22:35:33
• Release: PureH - Tetragram
  Updated 2025-03-29 00:47:12
• Artist: PureH
  Updated 2025-03-29 00:35:14
• Release: Adam Fairhall & Johnny Hunter - Play Mary Lou Williams
  Updated 2025-03-29 00:10:21
• Artist: Johnny Hunter
  Updated 2025-03-29 00:05:19
• Review: Circu5 - Clockwork Tulpa
  Published 2025-03-29
• Artist: Adam Fairhall
  Updated 2025-03-28 23:52:46
• Release: Stephen Grew - Fire
  Updated 2025-03-28 23:33:29
• Review: Erik Wøllo - Where the River Widens
  Published 2025-03-28
• Release: Wizrd - Elements
  Updated 2025-03-27 16:33:38
• Release: Futuropaco - Fortezza di Vetro Volume 2
  Updated 2025-03-27 00:19:04
• Review: Kryptograf - Kryptonomicon
  Published 2025-03-27
• Review: Jean-Pierre Llabador - Treasure 3.33 Hunt
  Published 2025-03-26
• Release: Tusmørke - En Pakt med Naturen
  Updated 2025-03-25 19:29:42
• Release: Soft Ffog - Focus
  Updated 2025-03-25 19:25:59