Circulus are a folk band, that much cannot be denied. Their use of medieval instruments such as lutes, citterns, crumhorns and, yes, rauschpfeifes, their apparent belief in fairies and pixies and their odd sense of fashion confirms that. However, their peculiar and singular approach to the genre has led them to be championed by many outside of the genre.
Since forming just before the turn of the century, Circulus have gained fans in the shape of heavy metal magazine, Metal Hammer and the NME, along with stalwarts such as Mojo and The Guardian. It’s the playfulness and sense of humour that they bring to folk music that sets them apart. The use of moogs, synthesizers and electric guitars may appal some folkies but for others more musically open-minded, this is proof of what an excellent band they are.
It was their sophomore effort, The Lick On The Tip Of An Envelope Yet To Be Sent, that catapulted Circulus to fame. It’s complete lack of respect for genre led The Guardian to trill “It is by turns preposterous, unsettling, tear-jerkingly beautiful and wonderfully refreshing”, which is as good a recommendation as you’re likely to get.
Since forming just before the turn of the century, Circulus have gained fans in the shape of heavy metal magazine, Metal Hammer and the NME, along with stalwarts such as Mojo and The Guardian. It’s the playfulness and sense of humour that they bring to folk music that sets them apart. The use of moogs, synthesizers and electric guitars may appal some folkies but for others more musically open-minded, this is proof of what an excellent band they are.
It was their sophomore effort, The Lick On The Tip Of An Envelope Yet To Be Sent, that catapulted Circulus to fame. It’s complete lack of respect for genre led The Guardian to trill “It is by turns preposterous, unsettling, tear-jerkingly beautiful and wonderfully refreshing”, which is as good a recommendation as you’re likely to get.