Burning The Ground Exclusive
Sheffield-based pop duo Vitamin Z made their debut in 1985 with the album Rites of Passage, a record that blended stylish synth-pop with touches of rock and soul. One of its standout tracks is “Circus Ring,” a shimmering, emotional single that captures the lush, cinematic sound Vitamin Z became known for.
Formed by Geoff Barradale (vocals) and Nick Lockwood (bass and keyboards), Vitamin Z were part of the mid-’80s wave of UK bands who brought intelligence and sophistication to pop music. Their sound was sleek yet heartfelt—think a cross between Tears for Fears, The Blow Monkeys, and early Simple Minds—with an emphasis on melody, mood, and atmosphere.
“Circus Ring” was released as a single in 1985, following their debut hit “Burning Flame.” Produced by Ross Cullum (known for his work with Tears for Fears and Howard Jones), the song features a sweeping arrangement built on chiming guitars, shimmering synth textures, and Barradale’s emotive vocals. The lyrics use circus imagery as a metaphor for love and vulnerability, reflecting the bittersweet tone that runs throughout Rites of Passage.
The 12″ version of “Circus Ring” expands on the album cut with a fuller, more dynamic mix. Extended instrumental passages allow Lockwood’s basslines and the song’s layered percussion to shine, creating an immersive experience that showcases Cullum’s meticulous production. It’s a perfect example of how the extended mix could transform a great pop song into something truly cinematic.
Although Vitamin Z never achieved widespread commercial success beyond “Burning Flame,” they’ve maintained a loyal following among fans of sophisticated ‘80s pop. Songs like “Circus Ring” highlight the duo’s gift for combining emotional depth with stylish production—proof that even in an era of glossy pop, there was still plenty of heart beneath the surface.
SIDE A:
Circus Ring (We Scream About) (Remix) 7:00
SIDE B:
Circus Ring (We Scream About) (7″ Version) 4:40
Don´t Stop (To Listen To His Music) 3:57
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – MERX 186
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Design – JB*
- Photography By – Brian Aris
- Recorded By, Producer – Ross Cullum
- Written-By – Barradale*, Lockwood*
NOTES:
From the album “Rites Of Passage”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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I haven’t listened to this yet, but I found the whole album last night at a vinyl shop in KC! Based on the fact they were posted here it was an easy purchase! Can’t wait to explore!
I love this song. Thank you. Unfortunately, I believe this went under the radar.
Thanks for another great selection Dj Paul! I’m also in the group that really only knew Vitamin Z for Burning Flame. Really fun having the 7″ on this single as well as the great remix to enjoy both back to back in such great quality.
I feel like this really fits in well with last weeks singles too!
Thanks so much, JP! I’m really glad you enjoyed this one. “Burning Flame” tends to be the song most people remember, so it’s always fun to shine a little light on “Circus Ring.” The 12″ and 7″ versions really complement each other nicely—perfect for a back-to-back listen. I agree, it definitely fits in with last week’s selections too!
Wow Paul this is incredible!! I had heard of Vitamin Z in passing only. This single is so much catchier than Burning Flame in my opinion. One can’t help but think of the obvious comparisons with Tears For Fears – sharing the same production. This gem would have sat in nicely on Songs From The Big Chair. Your description perfectly captures the lush, cinematic sound. Only in the 80s were we spoiled with hit after hit of emotional depth underneath the pop sheen leading to an anthemic, layered chorus. It’s too bad Vitamin Z didn’t achieve much commercial success beyond… Read more »
Thank you so much, Retro Hound! I couldn’t agree more—“Circus Ring” really does capture that Songs From The Big Chair atmosphere, and Ross Cullum’s production definitely gives it that same emotional weight and polish. It’s such an underrated track, and I’m thrilled you connected with it. The 80s truly were overflowing with gems like this—so many great songs that never quite got their due. Appreciate you listening and sharing your thoughts!
Thank you for another fantastic Synthpop remix! This band always reminded me of Tears For Fears. I can’t wait to hear the remix to this song!
Thanks, Axel! I totally get the Tears for Fears comparison — Ross Cullum’s production really gives it that same rich, emotional feel. I think you’ll really enjoy this remix; it brings out even more of that lush 80s atmosphere. Appreciate you listening!
Thanks Paul, for this piece of 80’s obscurity. If you took Tears For Fears, Kajagoogoo, and a sprinkling of Sapndau Ballet, a dash of Duran Duran’s clothes, a pinch of Howard Jones and and some extra Curt Smith concentrate, put it in a blender you would get a Vitamin Z smoothie. Honestly, this sounds like the road not taken by Tears For Fears if they had embraced “The Way You Are.”
Haha, I love that description, Joey — a “Vitamin Z smoothie” is perfect! You nailed it with those comparisons. There’s definitely that Tears for Fears-meets-Kajagoogoo vibe running through this one, with just the right amount of 80s polish. I really like your take on it being the road not taken after “The Way You Are.” Thanks for the great comment and for giving this one a spin!
Interesting Connection: A curious fact is that Geoff Barradale, vocalist and co-founder of Vitamin Z, an English band formed in Sheffield, is currently the manager of Arctic Monkeys, also from Sheffield!
Thanks, Paul.
That’s a great bit of trivia, Ruben — I love that connection! Pretty wild how Geoff Barradale went from fronting Vitamin Z to managing Arctic Monkeys. Sheffield really does have a rich musical history. Thanks for sharing that and for checking out the post!
Like many others, I had first heard of Vitamin Z with their ’85 hit “Burning Flame.” I later heard them again when Geffen rereleased the track in ’89 on their follow up album Sharp Stone Rain. I later found a used copy of Rites of Passage on vinyl as the CD was not available at the time. The band was definitely very underrated.
Geoff Barradale also was a vocalist for the Alan Parsons Project, on the Gaudi album in ’87. He sang lead vocals on the first single from that album, “Standing on Higher Ground.”
Thanks, Synthpapa! That’s awesome—you really know your Vitamin Z history. I agree, they were definitely underrated and deserved more recognition. Great mention about Geoff Barradale’s work with The Alan Parsons Project too; “Standing on Higher Ground” is a fantastic track and such a cool connection between the two projects. Appreciate you sharing that and for taking the time to comment!
Their song, “Burning Flame” meant so much to me, but that’s all I was aware of. Thank you, Paul, for highlighting another single by this band! It’s something I am really looking forward to experiencing! Again, you share the best songs from the decade I love the most.
Jeff
Thanks so much, Jeff! I love hearing that “Burning Flame” meant a lot to you — it’s such a powerful song. I think you’ll really enjoy “Circus Ring”; it has that same emotional spark but with a slightly different vibe. I really appreciate your kind words and support — it means a lot! Always happy to share more gems from our favorite decade.
The remix has soooo much energy! Made my day!
Thanks, Raymond! I’m really glad you enjoyed it — this mix definitely has a great energy to it. Always fun to hear when a track can make someone’s day!