The Circles

The Circles

The Circles are a Mod band from the West Midlands formed in 1979 and known for their contribution to the mod revival movement that swept across the UK in the late 1970s. They not only captured the sound of an era but also embody its spirit and ethos with a potent blend of mod aesthetics, punk energy, and compelling storytelling.

The band were signed by Graduate Records in 1980 who released a single 'Opening Up / Billy' which reached No. 3 in the indie charts and over the years has achieved cult status. Both songs have stood the test of time and regularly feature on Mod compilation albums. 

Their second single 'Angry Voices / Summer Nights’ was released by Vertigo in 1980. A football inspired number complete with anthemic chorus and frantic guitar riffs, it was well received and went on to sell over 20,000 copies. While receiving much critical acclaim, the band split in 1981 through disillusion with the music business.

Fast forward to 1999, the 20th anniversary of the Mod Revival, which prompted renewed interest in The Circles. Detour Records released a live album 'Private World', recorded in Blackpool in 1980 and the comeback was on. 

The call went out for them to perform at the Mods MayDay 20th Anniversary gig at The Forum in London alongside fellow Revival bands Secret Affair, The Chords, Purple Hearts and Squire. The Circles went down a storm, were featured on the Mods MayDay live album and won a whole new legion of fans who had not been around in 1979. 

Such interest spurred the band to go back into the recording studio and in 2000 released the 'Looking Back’ album on Detour Records which contained new material and some reworked old favourites. Following a few more gigs, The Circles were dormant again but not forgotten.

In preparation for their 40th Anniversary year in 2019, The Circles recorded an EP of new songs “Our Time” and playing a few select gigs. They were on the bill for Mods Mayday 2019 at Islington Assembly Hall, London and the August Mod Festival in Brighton, as well as playing a number of gigs around the country. 

The band has continued gigging and recording, releasing another EP "Gone Tomorrow” plus singles “Better Days” and “Hope You’re Ready” on Detour Records. 

As The Circles look to the future, they remain committed to creating music that resonates with their fans and reflects the world around them. Their journey is far from over, and their passion for their craft continues to drive them forward. The modern songs still have the energy and vibrancy of their early work and would be at home in the 1979 set list.