Few bands can claim a legacy as enduring and passionate as The Circles. Hailing from the West Midlands, this seminal mod revival group first burst onto the British music scene in the late 1970s with a sound that blended the sharp style of 1960s mod, the raw power of punk, and the storytelling spirit of rock and soul. The Circles – Anthology brings their extraordinary journey to life, tracing a career that has inspired generations and refuses to be forgotten.
Formed initially as The Injectors in 1977 by Mick Walker and Tony Howells, the group evolved into The Circles with the addition of Glenn Tranter and Keith Allen—formerly of punk band Neon Hearts. Their music took cues from The Who, The Jam, and The Clash, but with a voice entirely their own: melodic, powerful, and fiercely authentic.
As the UK faced political unrest, rising youth unemployment, and cultural change, the mod revival became more than a style—it became a movement. In this landscape, The Circles found their footing. Their fashion was sharp, their lyrics resonant, and their sound unapologetically alive. It didn’t take long for the band to connect with a growing fan base looking for an honest voice to reflect their frustrations and dreams.
The band’s 1979 debut single “Opening Up” on Graduate Records instantly struck a chord. Championed by legendary BBC DJs like John Peel and Mike Read, it captured the optimism and grit of youth in turbulent times. Its B-side, “Billy,” further demonstrated the band’s lyrical and emotional depth. With this release, The Circles quickly became an essential part of the mod revival circuit, known for electrifying live performances and a connection with fans that few could match.
Their second single, “Angry Voices,” released in 1980, sold over 20,000 copies and became a defining anthem for a generation grappling with disillusionment and unrest. Despite label interest and a brief signing with Phonogram, industry setbacks and poor management advice ultimately led to the band’s breakup later that year.
But The Circles refused to fade away. Interest in their music never waned, and in 1985, Graduate Records reissued their track “Circles,” keeping the band’s spirit alive. Meanwhile, bassist Glenn Tranter carried the torch into new musical chapters with The Jacobites, helping solidify the band’s influence on the wider underground rock scene.
In the 1990s, Detour Records—champions of the mod revival legacy—helped reintroduce The Circles to a new generation. Their 1999 release Private World: Live at Norbreck Castle captured the band’s magnetic energy, while a powerful reunion performance at Mods Mayday ’99 reignited both old and new fan interest.
The 2000s saw a creative resurgence. The album Looking Back mixed reimagined classics, unreleased gems, and fresh material, reminding listeners of just how vital The Circles had always been. Standout tracks like “Mr. Suburbia” and “Bury Your Head” illustrated the band’s evolution while honouring their roots.
Recent releases like the Our Time and Gone Tomorrow EPs showcase a band still brimming with ideas and emotional fire. Tracks like “Capture That Feeling,” “Dance With You,” and the anthemic “Better Days” (released during the pandemic) highlight The Circles’ remarkable ability to stay relevant while reflecting the emotional truths of the times.
In 2023, “Hope You’re Ready” added another chapter—vibrant, urgent, and filled with the energy fans have come to expect. With the release of Anthology, The Circles offer a definitive collection that spans their entire career—from their breakout singles “Opening Up” and “Angry Voices” to new tracks like “Writing On The Wall” and “How Do You Sleep.”
More than a retrospective, Anthology is a celebration: of timeless songwriting, passionate performance, and a band whose music continues to resonate with every generation it touches. For fans old and new, The Circles remain a symbol of resilience, creativity, and unbreakable spirit.
