Back in 2018, Cherry Red Records released the expansive four-disc box set Sleeping For Years: The Studio Recordings 1970–1974, which gave me the perfect excuse to plug the gaps in my Atomic Rooster collection. Until then, my listening had mostly revolved around the classic singles Tomorrow Night and Devil’s Answer, occasional spins of Death Walks Behind You, and a long-standing affection for In Hearing Of. That 1971 album was my first Rooster purchase, and its impact was amplified by seeing the band perform it live at the Goodbye Summer festival at The Oval Cricket Ground, where it formed the backbone of their set.
At the time I reviewed the Sleeping For Years boxset, Atomic Rooster had recently reformed, with Peter French and Steve “Boltz” Bolton representing the band’s 1970s lineage. Since their 2016 revival, the Rooster has continued its tradition of rotating personnel, with Steve Bolton now the sole remaining link to the original era. Peter French departed in 2023 to pursue other projects, leaving bassist Tony ‘Shug’ Millidge (credited in the album booklet as Shug Spencer?) as the other consistent presence. Paul Everett took over the drum stool from Bo Walsh in 2017, and the line-up was completed by keyboardist, (and no slouch on the guitar either) Adrian Gautrey, who replaced Christian Madden.
This latest incarnation have been tearing up stages across the UK and Europe, and that live energy has clearly spilled into the studio. Circle The Sun sounds like a band that walked in with a set of songs and simply nailed it. There are no liner notes to confirm, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the album was recorded in a matter of days, with arrangements tweaked and reshaped on the fly in true old-school fashion. The opening duo of Fly or Die and the title track, set the tone: tight, punchy, and free of indulgent noodling, yet still packed with those signature Rooster hooks. Last Night and Rebel Devil echo the band’s early ’70s heyday, tipping their hats to Tomorrow Night and Devil’s Answer.
For fans of the original Rooster sound, there’s plenty to savour. The dominant Hammond organ, gritty blues-infused riffs, and thunderous grooves are all present and correct. Adrian Gautrey channels Vincent Crane with reverence but adds his own flair, while Paul Everett proves himself a worthy successor to the band’s formidable drumming legacy. Together with Shug Millidge, they form a rhythm section that’s both muscular and cohesive. And at the centre of it all stands Steve Bolton, the enduring heartbeat of the band.
With Adrian Gautrey now handling vocals, the Rooster feels leaner, meaner, and ready to carry the legacy forward, and Circle The Sun captures a revitalised band in full flight – just listen to the rollicking Follow Me or the dreamy, psych-tinged Pillow for proof.
If you are a long-time fan then this new studio album is a must. For those new to the band then Circle The Sun is as great place to start.
TRACK LISTING
01. Fly Or Die (3:45)
02. Circle The Sun (3:20)
03. Never 2 Lose (5:10)
04. Follow Me (3:02)
05. Rebel Devil (3:33)
06. No More (3:52)
07. Pillow (3:47)
08. Last Night (3:05)
09. First Impression (4:05)
10. Blow That Mind (4:05)
Total Time – 37:44
MUSICIANS
Steve ‘Boltz’ Bolton – Guitars, Vocals
Adrian Gautrey – Vocals, Hammond Organ, Piano, Keyboards
Anthony ‘Shug’ Millidge – Bass
Paul Everett – Drums
~ With:
Phil Watson – Additional Percussion
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Cherry Red Records | Esoteric Recordings
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 10th October 2025
LINKS
Atomic Rooster – Facebook | Instagram | Info at Cherry Red Records
