Short Reviews [Circu5 - 2020 - "Skin Machine" (single)]

I was a huge fan of the debut album from Circu5 back in 2017, so when Steve Tilling contacted me to see if I would be interested in hearing the first single from the next album, I of course grabbed the opportunity. Here we continue to follow the story of Grady, a test-tube-conceived psychopath, and for his jolly jaunt into pleasantness Steve has now been joined by Paul Clark (guitar, ex-David Cross Band), Mark Kilminster (bass, ex-Tin Spirits) and Lee Moulding (drums, ex-Rewire the Time Machine). There is a real groove and offbeat with this song, which also contains very strong and central vocals, and the end result is something that is progressive, commercial, and most importantly rock. The music is layered and there is a high use of space and jaggedness within the sound which provides real edge and bite throughout. The instrumental passages are incredibly powerful, with guitar combining with some wonderful drum fills, yet the chorus has a solid hook and one can soon be found singing it around the house, although in fairness the lyrics may not be the stuff of dreams, but more of nightmares. This is a great introduction to those who have not come across Circu5 prior to this, and those like me who enjoyed the debut can use this as a taster for the next one.