Think CIRCU5… think rock and prog poured into a blender, mixed with a dash of 60s vocal harmonies and a big helping of hard-driving rhythms. But while certain influences spring to mind, CIRCU5 exists in its own world of adrenalin-rush anthems, addictive choruses and goose-bump melodies.

CIRCU5 is the project of Steve Tilling – multi-instrumentalist and guitarist/vocalist for TC&I (the band of Colin Moulding and Terry Chambers from XTC).

Steve performs almost all instrumental and vocal duties on the debut CIRCU5 album, which tells the story of a child raised as a psychopath in a secret government organisation. "The album took me five years to make, and mirrors the ups and downs in my life at that time," says Steve Tilling. "There were dark moments but everything ended positively. I think I've made an album that's fun to listen to – and has a good story for those who like digging deeper."

The album features guest performances from Dave Gregory (XTC, Big Big Train), Phil Spalding (Mike Oldfield), Matt Backer (ABC), Alan van Kleef (Rachel Stamp), Johnny Warman (Peter Gabriel) and Andy Neve (Steve Hackett).