B-Side Guys

Recording at Glasgow’s Castle of Doom studios, Cosmic Empire crafts “Circus” as both homage and update to the Britpop blueprint. The track doesn’t apologize for its 90s DNA—instead, it leans into those familiar chord progressions with the confidence of a band that understands the difference between pastiche and reverence.

Alex’s vocals carry the kind of casual swagger that made Britpop work in the first place, floating over guitar work that recalls The Bluetones’ melodic sensibilities without feeling like karaoke. The production keeps things lean, allowing the song’s structural cleverness to emerge naturally rather than drowning it in nostalgic effects.

The real payoff arrives when the bridge layers itself against the chorus, creating a moment of genuine elevation that justifies the buildup. It’s here that “Circus” transcends simple genre exercise, finding space within familiar frameworks to create something that feels both inevitable and surprising. The cryptic lyrical fragments about falling and switching off suggest deeper currents beneath the surface sheen.

What’s most impressive about “Circus” is its restraint. Rather than trying to reinvent Britpop or ironically comment on its legacy, Cosmic Empire simply writes a strong song within those parameters. The result feels less like revival and more like continuation—proof that good songwriting translates across decades when the fundamentals are solid.

At just over three minutes, “Circus” makes its case efficiently and exits before overstaying its welcome, much like the best singles from the era it channels.