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The Click Five
The Click Five
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The Click Five (often abbreviated as TC5)[2] is an American rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. The original members, most of them students at Berklee College of Music, started on January 1, 2004, and played in various local venues.[3] They then quickly got the attention of talent scout Wayne Sharp (who had worked with the power pop group Candy). The Click Five made their first recording, a two-song demo session, in early 2004 after successful local touring. They released their debut studio album Greetings from Imrie House in 2005. After vocalist Eric Dill left the group, he was replaced by Kyle Patrick who debuted on their second studio album Modern Minds and Pastimes in 2007.[4] Their third studio album, TCV, was released in Asia in 2010 and to the rest of the world in early 2011. The group broke up in 2013. The band returned in 2025, embarking on the Click 2025 tour and performing at the Playback Music Festival.

Key Information

The band was initially known for its power pop songs and for its mod-based public image,[4] involving sharp-looking suits and ties coupled with moptop haircuts, which is deliberately reminiscent of the Beatles or the Dave Clark Five.[5][6] They prefer to classify their music as "new school power pop".[7] However, they have also been classified as pop punk and teen pop.[8][9] They achieved significant commercial success with their first album in the US and their second release met with extreme popularity in Asian countries such as Cambodia and the Philippines.[10] In total, the band has sold two million albums worldwide and have created eight number one singles in seven different nations.[11] The band starred in the 2007 film Taking Five with Alona Tal, Daniella Monet, and Christy Carlson Romano.

History

[edit]

2003–2004: Formation and early history

[edit]

Ben Romans studied songwriting, Ethan Mentzer studied production and engineering, and Joey Zehr double majored in production/engineering and business at the Berklee College of Music. Roommates and close-friends Mentzer and Zehr moved to a place on Imrie Road in the neighborhood of Allston when they were both sophomores. Calling their place "Imrie House", they met with Romans and Joe Guese (whom Zehr once described as a "professional dropout") and formed a kind of pseudo-fraternity. The four played in various local bands, none of which had any success.[3] However, they drew the attention of Wayne Sharp, a musical talent agent who had mostly worked in jazz although he had also worked with the mid-1980s power pop group Candy.[4]

Romans went to work for a record company in Nashville. Jeff Dorenfeld, former manager of the band Boston, saw Guese and Mentzer performing in May 2003 and referred them to Sharp. Sharp liked their playing, but he had a low regard for their songs and their appearance. The first words Sharp ever said to them were "This isn't going to work unless you listen to me".[7]

The four soon took in Eric Dill, a high-school friend of Zehr from when they both lived in Indianapolis. Zehr has said that they began playing seriously because "[w]hen we started the band our senior year, it was basically our last-ditch effort, because we all knew we were about to be done with school and have to enter the real world".[3] They were all in their very early-20s.[12] According to Zehr, the group would play several shows a week that were booked under different band names to get around local clubs' rules preventing artists from playing that close to each other.[3] Their playing then got the attention of Mike Denneen, Boston-based producer of Fountains of Wayne, who agreed to help them produce a 2-song demo record. Denneen also introduced them to Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley, who was strongly supportive.[12]

2005–2006: Greetings From Imrie House

[edit]

The Click Five made their demos at Imrie House itself,[3] finishing in March 2004. Denneen believed that the group "sucked live" and pushed them to rehearse further.[7] The program director at Kiss 108, the big Boston Top 40 station, liked it enough to book the group for the station's "Concert on the Charles" in mid-2004.[3] They released their first EP, "Angel to You (Devil to Me)", on April 25, 2005.[13] Principal songwriter Ben Romans collaborated with Paul Stanley in creating the song,[12] and guitarist Elliot Easton, best known for his work in the Cars, played in it.[14]

The group hired a lawyer and shopped around some of the major labels. A college scout from Epic Records who witnessed one of their shows convinced Epic to fly the group to Los Angeles to play.[3] Lava Records, which was later folded into Atlantic Records, ended up signing the band in late 2004.[12] They started with the label a mere month after their EP. According to The Boston Globe, "Click Five was launched into the pop-music stratosphere with the full force of the industry's muscle behind it."[8] The band opened for Ashlee Simpson for the first time, a position that cost the label $25,000 and that one of their officials later called "the best money we've spent".[7]

The group ended up selling about 10,000 copies of the EP.[9] They then released "Just the Girl", written by label-mate Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, to build up support for their debut album.[15] It was met with commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.[16] The song also took the number one spot on the US Digital Song Sales chart.[17] They created a music video for the song in summer 2005, and it went up to number three on MTV's program Total Request Live.[7] The song became the No. 1 most-downloaded song on iTunes for over 2 weeks, leading to a RIAA platinum certification as a Digital Single.[18] They also toured extensively with Ashlee Simpson.[12] They released their debut, Greetings From Imrie House, on August 8, 2005, which they named after the building where they had started.[19] It featured another song by Schlesinger titled "I'll Take My Chances", in which Elliot Easton also played.[20] The album also contained a cover version of "Lies" – a song which was a hit for UK pop band Thompson Twins in 1983.[21]

Click Five photographed in studio in late 2005

The album brought widespread commercial success, selling 350,000 copies in the United States.[8] It took the fifteenth place on the Billboard 200 almost immediately.[10] According to The Boston Globe, they "saturated" the media in several Asian countries as well, such as in Cambodia. Amy Doyle, then-MTV vice president, remarked that "I see screaming girls in their future. I see them having to wear disguises". Many stores stocked various Click Five-based items such as lunchboxes, backpacks, trading cards, and hair gel lines.[8] Their album turned out as that year's highest-charting debut from a new rock group, selling 51,541 copies.[19] Their MySpace page hit No. 1 on the "Most Viewed Band Page" ranking as well.[18] The band spent late 2005 and early 2006 as the opening act for Ashlee Simpson, Alanis Morissette and Jesse McCartney as well as touring both by itself and in collaboration with Big City Rock.[20] They also supported the Backstreet Boys on their Never Gone Tour.[22] In August 2005, they performed "Just the Girl" on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.[23] On November 8, the group released the album's second single "Catch Your Wave".[24] The song peaked at number 37 on the US Pop Airplay chart.[25] They performed at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in November 2005, singing "Catch Your Wave".[26] On March 20, 2006, the group released the live EP, Live at Bull Moose, which was recorded on September 14, 2005, at the Bull Moose.[27] A second live EP titled Rolling Stone Originals: The Click Five was recorded in December 2005, in New York, which was released on April 4.[28][29]

Greetings from Imrie House gathered positive reviews from About.com, where critic Bill Lamb labeled it "a free fall into the world of irresistible melody and guitar-soaked power chords",[12] and from Entertainment Weekly, where critic Gary Susman called it "insanely catchy".[30] Rolling Stone also ran a supportive review from Barry Walters, who stated that the "relentlessly catchy" album featured "several hit-worthy tracks".[14] Critics at USA Today and IGN.com panned the album, the former stating that listeners will be left "craving something more".[31][32]

Throughout, members saw manager Wayne Sharp as an amiable influence. Producer Mike Denneen said, "He's not a dictator; he's a consensus builder, and he's very good at it... He cajoles and persuades and convinces and everybody is inclined to trust him, including me." However, band members expressed concern that they started out too fast and that they intentionally brought on too much media attention.[7] Members also experienced increasing dissatisfaction with their label. Zehr said, "It's not like the old days, where a label would spend years pumping money to develop an artist... Today it's up to the artists to ready themselves for the big time". He commented as well, "At this point you're kind of turning the label into a bank".[3]

2007–2008: Modern Minds and Pastimes and Dill's departure

[edit]

Through 2006, interest in the band gradually faded.[8] Their songs did not have the chart success that the members had expected. AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine has remarked that the band's music "didn't quite stick in the brain".[33] Bassist Ethan Mentzer later said, "There was a point where it felt like we were in an airplane and the engines just died... It was a long, slow glide down."[8] The band went on touring locally in venues such as Hot Stove and Cool Music.[34] The group supported McFly on their Motion in the Ocean tour in the fall of 2006.[35]

Lead singer Eric Dill left the band on November 20, 2006,[36] although was not officially announced until March 2007.[34] The remaining four members released an official statement on the departure in March on their MySpace page, stating that "We know he will be missed by many and we wish him the best success in his other endeavors".[34] They brought on new lead singer Kyle Patrick, whom they had met in November 2006. Patrick had been in his third year at the Berklee College of Music and left in the middle of his studies to join the Click Five as lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist.[37] Dill left the band to pursue a solo music career and later revealed that he left after expressing an interest in acting, following shoot of their movie, Taking Five. He also left the band due to having musical differences with the other members.[36] The film, Taking Five, starring members of the group along with Alona Tal, Daniella Monet, and Christy Carlson Romano, was released in 2007.[38]

Click Five spent early 2007 undergoing a reboot of their musical style, emphasizing new wave and deliberately retro influences with more use of synthesizers. They appeared to be emulating successful alternative rock groups the Killers and Weezer, according to Erlewine.[33] The band also gave up wearing matching outfits and changed to having each member adopt their own modified visual image.[39] When playing songs originally sung by Eric Dill live, they lowered the keys a whole step to suit Kyle Patrick's deeper voice.

The band narrowed down the about seventy songs that they had been working on down to twelve and then recorded their second studio album, Modern Minds and Pastimes.[40] The title was a reference to Ray Charles' 1962 album "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music".[41][42] It was released on June 26, 2007.[33] Despite high hopes, the album failed to meet commercial expectations, with only 50,000 copies sold in the U.S.[8] It reached number 136 on the Billboard 200 chart.[43] The album also earned mixed reviews from Erlewine, which stated that "it's hard not to be disappointed", and Adrienne Day of Entertainment Weekly, which called the lyrics "banal" and the overall album as lacking "punch".[33][44] Chad Grischow of IGN.com labeled it "unfortunately uneven", although he also remarked that it was "worth a listen".[45]

The band performing for MTV EXIT, photographed in December 2008

The album spawned its lead single "Jenny" (co- written by Jez Ashurst and Chris Braide),[46] released on April 10, 2007.[47] It reached the number one spot in charts in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan.[2][48] "Happy Birthday" and "Empty" were subsequently released as follow-up singles, issued for radio airplay in Southeast Asia.[18] The group spent mid to late 2007 touring across various Asian venues, many of them alongside the Black Eyed Peas.[2][49] They also supported Hilary Duff on a US tour from August to September 2007.[50] The group performed on Fox Network's Good Day Atlanta on August 30.[51] They also appeared on the finale of Singapore TV series Live the Dream.[52] The group performed at Boston Music Awards on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at the Orpheum Theater. They received nominations for "Outstanding Pop Act", "Male Vocalist of the Year" (for Kyle Patrick), and "Song of the Year",[53] and they won for "Outstanding Pop Act".[54] Singapore radio station 98.7 FM voted them "Band of the Year".[18]

The group continued touring to widely receptive audiences in some Asian countries, notably in the Philippines,[10] dubbed the Modern Minds and Great Times Tour throughout 2008.[18][55] They also released the album's fourth and final single "Flipside" in May 2008, exclusively in Southeast Asia.[56] That year, they co-headlined the first rock concert ever performed at the Angkor Wat Temple.[11] In late 2008, they participated in an MTV EXIT concert in Bangkok done to raise awareness on human trafficking. The band played along with Burmese pop star Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein and various Thai-based celebrities.[57]

On August 2, 2008, Click Five won the "Knockout Award" at MTV Asia Awards 2008, in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. The award, for "the artist who has successfully captured the hearts of young music audiences in Asia", was a surprise to the band.[58] Through 2008 and early 2009, the band played in various smaller, more niche-based venues in the New England area around this time.

2009–2013: TCV and break-up

[edit]

In March 2009, the group was dropped by their record label.[8] Mike Denneen said, "Atlantic was unwilling to let them become a 'real' band, which is what the guys wanted. Now they're calling the shots and having the opportunity to do what most bands do at the beginning: play and write songs and develop." The band spent the month playing in various local locations such as the Lizard Lounge in Boston. They represented a big change for the Lounge, which was used to hosting alternative rock and indie rock acts.[8] Ben Romans stated that month that a self-financed new album would be coming soon. They recorded the album with Denneen in 2010.[59] The band released two new songs, "I Quit! I Quit! I Quit!" and "Be in Love", available as free singles online.[60][11] On August 6, 2010, they released their new single "The Way It Goes" to radio, with a record to follow the same year.[61]

Joe Guese and Kyle Patrick performing in 2011

On November 13, 2010, they announced on their Twitter that their third studio album, entitled TCV, will be released exclusively in Asia on November 16, 2010.[62] A music video for the single, "Don't Let Me Go" was released on April 15, 2011, in partnership with MTV EXIT to bring awareness about human trafficking.[63] The album was released in the UK through Lojinx[64] and in the US on Q Dee Records, in May 2011.[65] A bonus track from TCV, "Love Space Time" appeared on the compilation album Together We Are Not Alone, where profits were donated to the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake through the Japanese Red Cross Society.[66]

In October 2011, The Click Five began working on an EP that would feature five to six tracks.[67] However, it was they announced on January 14, 2013, on their Facebook page that they have officially parted ways. They stated that they were parting ways so that they may continue to focus on their individual endeavors after a long hiatus and thanked all their fans for supporting them throughout the years.[68]

2025: Return

[edit]

In 2019, Patrick was asked in an interview with CNN Indonesia if the band would reunite in the future, to which he responded, "If the right opportunity and offer came along, [like] a show that could bring us together again, we'd be interested in doing that."[69] In December 2024, it was announced that The Click Five would be returning and performed at Playback Music Festival on May 8, 2025, alongside Boys Like Girls and Secondhand Serenade.[70] They later announced The Click 2025 tour in January, which is set to take place in Southeast Asia from May 4 to May 10.[71] However, they also announced that due to scheduling conflicts, only Kyle Patrick, Joe Guese and Ethan Mentzer would be returning to the band.[72] According to Patrick, Guese brought up the idea for a reunion which him and Mentzer agreed on. He also noted that they could potentially release new music, depending on the reception of the tour.[73] During the tour, the Click Five debuted a new song titled "Throwback".[74] In August 2025, the band played their first show in the US in 15 years, performing at Emo Nite in Los Angeles.[75] They also confirmed that they have plans on embarking a US tour.[76] On August 14, the group joined the Jonas Brothers on their Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown Tour in Camden, New Jersey, as a surprise guest performing "Just the Girl".[77] Shortly after, they announced a US tour scheduled for October 2025.[78] On September 2, 2025, they announced to DJ Immortal Of 99.9 Punk World Radio FM that a new single would be released soon.[79] The group released their first single in 15 years titled "Throwback" on October 24.[80]

Public image

[edit]
Click Five interviewed in Kuala Lumpur in April 2006, wearing their then-trademark outfits

Early in their career, the band was known for their visual style,[7] appearing in matching Mod-based[4] sharp-looking suits and ties coupled with moptop haircuts,[5] as well as wearing bright collared shirts underneath,[81] and did not appear in public without their matching outfits.[7] During this period their style was reminiscent of the Beatles and other '60s beat groups.[5][82] Billboard noted how the group's image was "designed to generate Beatlemania-type hysteria."[83]

The band had a large audience of teenage girls.[20][81] Guese remarked, "For a lot of these girls it is the first concert they have been to, or the first band they have been linked to." He also said, "Girls going crazy are better than some guy in a bar waiting to fight you outside after you're done playing."[20]

The Boston Globe referred to their image as "fluffy teen-dream pinups." Mentzer, although defending their image, admitted that the band was perceived as "uncool."[39]

Reviewers from USA Today and About.com criticized the band for being generally too "cutesy," "lacking of substance," "not impressive to today's generation," and "soulless."[5][31][32] A Yahoo! Music commentator stated that it "sounds like a soundtrack to a WB show."[81]

Influences

[edit]

Band members have cited power pop leaders Cheap Trick and Matthew Sweet as major influences.[9] They also have cited Talking Heads as an inspiration.[20] John D. Luerssen of Allmusic has stated that they sound similar to the Knack, the Calling, and label-mates Fountains of Wayne.[9] Mikael Wood of Baltimore City Paper has compared the Click Five to Fall Out Boy and the All-American Rejects in terms of sound and crossover appeal.[3] In terms of songwriting, Bill Lamb of About.com has remarked that they seem reminiscent of the Beatles and the Beach Boys.[5] Gary Susman of Entertainment Weekly has stated their vocal harmonies are similar to Queen, but they sing more like the Backstreet Boys.[30]

Several critics and commentators have stated that the Click Five's overall image, style, and performance is evocative of fellow Boston-based band the Cars.[9][14][82] In general, Guese has said, "we're a rock band that plays pop songs... I have always been a fan of the three-minute pop song." He has also said, "We just try to have a lot of fun... We try to bring back that old-time rock 'n' roll sort of vibe."[20]

Band members

[edit]

Current

  • Joe Guese – lead guitar, backing vocals (2004–2013, 2025–present)
  • Ethan Mentzer – bass, backing vocals (2004–2013, 2025–present)
  • Kyle Patrick – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar (2007–2013, 2025–present)

Former

  • Ben Romans – synthesizers, backing vocals (2004–2013)
  • Joey Zehr – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2004–2013)
  • Eric Dill – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar (2004–2007)

Touring

  • Scott Simons – synthesizers, backing vocals (2025)
  • Will Sweeny – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2025)

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and sales figures
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[43]
KOR
Over.

[84]
Greetings from Imrie House 15
Modern Minds and Pastimes
  • Released: June 26, 2007
  • Label: Lava, Atlantic
  • Formats: CD, digital download
136
TCV 20
"—" denotes a release that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays with selected details
Title Album details
Angel to You (Devil to Me)
  • Released: April 25, 2005[85]
  • Label: Lava
  • Format: CD
Live at Bull Moose
  • Released: March 20, 2006[86]
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: CD
Rolling Stone Originals: The Click Five
  • Released: April 4, 2006[87]
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

[edit]
List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[43]
US
AC

[43]
US
Pop 100

[43]
US
Pop

[43]
CAN
CHR

[88]
PH
[89]
SGP
[2]
"Angel to You (Devil to Me)" 2005 [A] Greetings from Imrie House
"Just the Girl" 11 37 8 18 29
"Catch Your Wave" [B] 68 37
"Jenny" 2007 1 1 Modern Minds and Pastimes
"Happy Birthday"
"Empty"
"Flipside" 2008
"I Quit! I Quit! I Quit!" 2009 TCV
"The Way It Goes" 2010
"Don't Let Me Go"
"Throwback" 2025 TBA
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles

[edit]
List of promotional singles
Title Year Album
"Pop Princess"[93] 2005 Greetings From Imrie House
"My Girlfriend (Forgot Me This Christmas)"[94] Non-album singles
"Silent Night"[95]
"Headlight Disco"[96] 2007 Modern Minds and Pastimes

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Just the Girl" 2005 Vem [97]
"Catch Your Wave" [98]
"Kidnap My Heart" 2007 N/a [99]
"Jenny" The Aggressive [100]
"Happy Birthday" N/a [101]
"Empty" 2008 Conrad Jackson and Conor Colwell [102]
"Don't Let Me Go" 2011 N/a [103]

Notes

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Association Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2005 Boston Music Awards New Local Act The Click Five Won [104]
Outstanding Pop/Rock Band Nominated [105]
Song of the Year "Just the Girl" Nominated
XM Nation Music Awards Best New Pop Artist The Click Five Won [106]
"On the Rise" - Most Important Nominated [107]
2007 Boston Music Awards Outstanding Pop Act of the Year The Click Five Won [108]
Song of the Year "Jenny" Nominated [109]
Male Vocalist of the Year Kyle Patrick Nominated
2008 MTV Asia Awards The Knockout Award The Click Five Won [58]
Myx Music Awards Favorite International Music Video "Jenny" Nominated [110]
2011 Asian Television Award Best Music Program "Don't Let Me Go" Nominated [111]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Click Five is an American band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2003 by students at , consisting initially of vocalist , lead guitarist Joe Guese, bassist Ethan Mentzer, keyboardist Ben Romans, and drummer Joey Zehr. The band adopted a mod-inspired image while delivering a modern rock sound blending and punk elements, gaining prominence through their debut single "Just the Girl," which peaked at number 11 on the chart in 2005. Their first album, Greetings from Imrie House (2005), released via /, featured additional hits like "Catch Your Wave" and established their international appeal, with tracks topping charts in countries including , the , and . Following lineup changes, including the replacement of Dill with , the group issued Modern Minds and Pastimes (2007), which included the single "Jenny" and further singles achieving number-one status across multiple Asian markets. After a period of inactivity, The Click Five announced a reunion tour in 2025, marking their return to North American stages after over 15 years.

History

2003–2004: Formation and early history

The Click Five, an American pop rock band, was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in mid-2003 by four students attending Berklee College of Music: lead guitarist Joe Guese, bassist Ethan Mentzer, keyboardist Ben Romans, and drummer Joey Zehr. Guese, who initiated the group, recruited lead vocalist Eric Dill, a childhood friend from his hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania, to complete the lineup. The band's formation was facilitated by local music manager Wayne Sharp, who scouted the core members during auditions at Berklee and assembled them into a cohesive unit aimed at capturing the power pop sound of 1980s influences like Cheap Trick and The Cars. Following their assembly, the band quickly began performing at local venues, building a regional following through consistent live shows that emphasized their energetic performances and matching mod-style suits. By early 2004, after several months of successful local touring, they recorded their first two-song demo session, which showcased original material and helped attract industry attention. This demo led to their signing with , an imprint of , later that year, marking a pivotal step toward national exposure. In support of their deal, the group released the EP Angel to You (Devil to Me) in 2004, featuring tracks that highlighted their polished pop hooks and served as an introductory release before their full-length debut.

2005–2006: Debut album and initial success

The Click Five released their debut studio album, Greetings from Imrie House, in August 2005 via Lava Records. The record debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, moving 52,000 units in its first week. It featured power pop tracks produced with influences from 1960s and 1970s acts, emphasizing catchy hooks and harmonies. The lead single, "Just the Girl," preceded the album, entering rotation in May 2005 and peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by of , the song benefited from heavy exposure, including performances on . A follow-up single, "Catch Your Wave," arrived in November 2005, extending the album's promotional cycle into 2006. During late 2005 and early 2006, the band supported their release through extensive touring, serving as opening acts for established artists such as , the on their , and . These opportunities, alongside radio play and video airtime, contributed to the group's among teen and young adult audiences, marking their transition from local act to national recognition.

2007–2008: Lineup change and second album

In early 2007, lead vocalist left The Click Five amid creative differences with the other members regarding the band's direction. The departure was announced in February 2007, prompting bassist Ethan Mentzer, guitarist Joe Guese, keyboardist Ben Romans, and drummer Joey Zehr to seek a replacement while committing to continue the project. The band recruited Canadian Kyle (born Kyle Dickherber) as their new frontman later that spring, marking a significant lineup shift. , previously involved in solo work and theater, integrated quickly and contributed vocals to the band's ongoing material. With Patrick in place, The Click Five finalized their second studio album, Modern Minds and Pastimes, which debuted Patrick's voice and reflected a matured pop-rock sound compared to their debut. The album was released on June 26, 2007, through Lava Records and Atlantic Records, featuring tracks like "You Can Count on Me" and "Jenny" as singles. It peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Heatseekers chart but achieved limited mainstream commercial success.

2009–2013: Third album, declining activity, and breakup

In early , following the release of their second album, The Click Five were dropped by , prompting a shift to independent production for their subsequent material. The band self-released singles such as "I Quit! I Quit! I Quit!" in 2009 and "The Way It Goes" on August 6, 2010, which received limited promotion and failed to achieve significant chart performance compared to prior hits. Their third studio , TCV, was recorded independently and initially released exclusively in on November 16, 2010, via Warner Music, marking a departure from major-label distribution in and . The featured 11 tracks, including the "Don't Let Me Go," and adopted a more mature rock-oriented sound, though critics noted it lacked the pop accessibility of their debut efforts, describing it as "underwhelming and repetitive ." A wider release followed in May 2011 through smaller labels LoJinx in the UK and Q Dee Records in the , but it garnered minimal commercial traction, with no entries on major charts and sparse media coverage. Post-TCV, the band's activity dwindled, characterized by infrequent live performances and a prolonged hiatus amid shifting member priorities. Frontman later attributed part of the slowdown to the toll of constant touring, which left members feeling ungrounded and disconnected from personal lives. By , touring had largely ceased, and the group focused on solo endeavors, including Patrick's relocation and individual music projects. On January 14, 2013, The Click Five announced their breakup via their official page, stating, "After a long hiatus, we are parting ways so that we may continue to focus on our individual endeavors," while affirming enduring friendships among members. The dissolution was amicable, with no public disputes cited, though it reflected broader challenges in sustaining momentum without major-label support and amid evolving dynamics favoring digital singles over full albums.

2025–present: Reunion and ongoing tour

In August 2025, The Click Five reunited after over a decade of inactivity, performing their first show in the United States in 15 years at an Nite event, signaling a return to live performances driven by fan nostalgia for their early-2000s pop-rock sound. The band, consisting of original members including vocalist Joe Jonas-era collaborator influences in style but focused on their core lineup, released a new single titled "Throwback" to coincide with the reunion, available via digital platforms and promoted through official channels. The reunion culminated in The Click 2025 Tour, beginning with sold-out dates in , including stops in , the , and , where the band had maintained a strong following from prior international success. The North American leg launched on October 14, 2025, at The in , followed by a performance on October 16 at the B Side at in , , and additional U.S. cities through the fall. As of October 26, 2025, the tour remains ongoing, with confirmed dates including a show at The Recher in , featuring special guest Search Party, and further stops emphasizing VIP experiences and fan giveaways. The performances have drawn attention for reviving the band's high-energy stage presence, though no new full-length album has been announced.

Musical style and influences

Musical style

The Click Five's music is primarily , featuring energetic rhythms, catchy hooks, and guitar-driven arrangements that evoke a sound paired with a sharp, mod-inspired aesthetic. The band has characterized their style as "new school ," emphasizing structures with occasional pop-punk edges, designed for broad appeal through accessible melodies and clean production. This approach resulted in songs blending upbeat tempos and harmonious vocals, often targeting a young audience while drawing on classic pop-rock conventions. Early work, as on the 2005 debut album Greetings from Imrie House, highlighted bright, guitar-centric tracks like "Just the Girl," which peaked at number 11 on the and exemplified their initial focus on punchy, radio-friendly . Following a 2007 lineup shift, their sound evolved toward greater maturity on Modern Minds and Pastimes, incorporating synthesizers, new wave textures, and a retro flair for tracks like "Jenny," which adopted a more rock-oriented edge while retaining pop polish. By the 2011 album TCV, the group's songwriting had refined further, delivering timeless pop songs with an edgier bite and broader sonic maturity, though still anchored in power pop's core hooks and structures. This progression reflected a shift from teen-pop vibrancy to more layered, retro-infused rock without abandoning their foundational emphasis on melodic immediacy.

Influences

The Click Five drew from a diverse array of rock and pop influences, spanning classic acts from the and to early power pop ensembles. In a 2007 interview, the band described their primary style as rooted in the genre, which "takes its roots from the '60s and '70s rock bands." This foundation informed their energetic melodies and guitar-driven arrangements, evident in tracks like "Just the Girl" from their 2005 debut album Greetings from Imrie House. Individual members cited personal inspirations reflecting eclectic tastes. During a 2006 interview, the group named , , Queen, Tool, , and (of Tool and ) as key influences from their formative years, blending piano-driven pop-rock with heavier alternative elements. Lead singer , in a 2025 interview amid the band's reunion, emphasized and rock 'n' roll forebears including , , , and , noting these shaped their songwriting focus on nostalgic, hook-laden structures. Guitarist Joe Guese added affinity for , another act produced by associate , highlighting shared production aesthetics in their sophomore album Modern Minds and Pastimes (2007). These influences manifested in the band's evolution from boy-band visuals paired with modish suits to a more mature sound incorporating new wave and emo-adjacent vibes, such as subtle nods to The Juliana Theory in their mid-2000s output. Overall, the group's sound prioritized catchy, guitar-centric pop-rock over strict genre adherence, prioritizing melodic accessibility derived from Petty's storytelling and Weezer's geeky power chords.

Public image and reception

Public image

The Click Five's early public image was defined by a mod-inspired aesthetic featuring coordinated sharp suits, ties—often in bright red—and synchronized moptop haircuts reminiscent of 1960s British rock acts like . This uniform style, which extended to album artwork and live performances, positioned the band as polished targeting a young female demographic while distinguishing them from grittier contemporary rock peers. The band's visual branding drew comparisons to s but incorporated and elements, with members emphasizing organic formation over manufactured pop tropes in interviews. Critics and media outlets noted the deliberate throwback vibe, likening it to The Wonders from the film That Thing You Do! or even 1980s Boston new wave acts like , though the quintet resisted pure "boy band" labels by highlighting Berklee College influences and live instrumentation. Following the 2007 lineup change and shift to a more mature sound, the band's image evolved toward less rigid uniformity, focusing on individual member styles during tours and releases like Modern Minds and Pastimes. The 2025 reunion retained nostalgic elements of their original look for marketing the tour but emphasized enduring fan connections over stylistic revival.

Critical reception

The Click Five's music received mixed critical reception, with early work often praised for its catchy pop hooks and accessibility but frequently dismissed as derivative teen-oriented fare akin to boy bands, while later releases were critiqued for lacking innovation or failing to build on initial promise. Their 2005 debut EP, Greetings from Imrie House, garnered positive notices for its energetic, singalong qualities and production flourishes like handclaps and synths, with one reviewer calling it "as good a pop record as there has been in a while—easy to sing along to, easier to dance to, clever and corny and quite good." However, outlets like SPIN panned it as unenjoyable and dated-sounding, arguing the synth elements evoked outdated '80s revivalism without redeeming guilty-pleasure appeal. The 2007 album Modern Minds and Pastimes drew middling reviews, earning a 6.8/10 from for strong up-tempo tracks but criticism for sleep-inducing ballads and an overall formulaic feel that prioritized tempo shifts over substance. Critics noted the vocalist change from to contributed to a "faceless" sound, though some appreciated hooks in singles like "Jenny." The band's 2011 self-titled album TCV elicited divided responses, with Alter The Press! highlighting "strong vocals and faultless sound" sufficient to attract new fans, contrasted by Penny Black Music's assessment of it as "underwhelming and repetitive ." Melodic Net faulted it for not matching the debut's impact, signaling a perceived creative decline. Overall, reception underscored a divide between pop enthusiasts valuing the band's melodic consistency and detractors viewing it as commercially driven without artistic depth.

Commercial performance

The Click Five's commercial peak occurred with their 2005 debut single "Just the Girl", which climbed to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track dominated digital platforms, holding the number one position on downloads for over two weeks and earning RIAA for exceeding one million digital units sold. Their follow-up single "Catch Your Wave" achieved moderate radio airplay but did not replicate the chart impact, peaking outside the Hot 100's top 40. The band's second single from the sophomore album, "Jenny", fared better internationally but lacked comparable U.S. mainstream traction. Subsequent releases like "Empty" and "Happy Birthday" registered limited chart presence, reflecting a shift toward niche pop-rock audiences. The debut album Jealousy entered the Billboard 200 at number 15, buoyed by the lead single's momentum. In contrast, the 2007 follow-up Modern Minds and Pastimes debuted at number 136 on the same chart, signaling diminished sales and broader market disinterest. The 2010 Asia-focused third album TCV bypassed significant U.S. charting altogether, with domestic availability confined to digital formats and no notable certifications across the discography beyond the flagship single. While early touring supported initial visibility, the band's output post-2007 yielded no further RIAA recognitions or top-100 album entries, underscoring a trajectory of early hype followed by contraction in core markets.

Band members

Current members

The current members of The Click Five are lead vocalist Kyle Patrick, guitarist and keyboardist Joe Guese, and bassist Ethan Mentzer, all original members who reformed the band for its 2025 reunion and ongoing tour. This trio performed together at their surprise U.S. reunion show on August 9, 2025, marking the band's return to American stages after 15 years. The reunion proceeded without original guitarist Ben Romans and drummer Joey Zehr due to scheduling conflicts, with the band announcing support for the three continuing under the Click Five name while welcoming new touring lineup additions as needed. Patrick, Guese, and Mentzer have handled lead performances across the Asia and North America legs of the 2025 tour, delivering sets including hits like "Just the Girl" and new material.

Former members

Eric Dill served as the band's original lead vocalist from its formation in 2003 until February 2007, when he departed to pursue a solo music career and acting opportunities. The band announced a hiatus in January 2013, stating that the members would part ways to focus on individual projects while maintaining their personal bonds. This effectively marked the end of active participation for keyboardist Ben Romans, bassist Ethan Mentzer, and drummer Joey Zehr, who did not join the 2025 reunion efforts; Romans and Zehr specifically cited scheduling conflicts as preventing their involvement in the tour.
MemberRoleYears active
Lead vocals2003–2007
Ben RomansKeyboards, , backing vocals2003–2013
Ethan MentzerBass, backing vocals2003–2013
Joey ZehrDrums, backing vocals2003–2013

Studio albums

The Click Five released three studio albums between 2005 and 2011.
TitleRelease dateLabel
Greetings from Imrie HouseAugust 16, 2005Lava Records
Modern Minds and PastimesJune 26, 2007Lava/Atlantic
TCVNovember 16, 2010 (Asia); May 17, 2011 (North America)Warner Music (Asia); Lojinx (Europe)
The debut album Greetings from Imrie House marked the band's introduction with vocalist and included their breakthrough single "Just the Girl," which achieved commercial success on pop radio. The second album, Modern Minds and Pastimes, featured new vocalist following Dill's departure and shifted toward a more mature pop-rock sound under producer Mike Denneen. The final album TCV (an abbreviation for "The Click Five") was self-produced in part and released independently after the band parted ways with major labels, reflecting a return to their roots with tracks like "Fever for the Flavor."

Extended plays

The Click Five's extended plays primarily consisted of promotional and live releases issued around the time of their debut album, serving to build early fan interest and showcase live performances. Their first EP, Angel to You (Devil to Me), was released in 2005 on as a precursor to the band's full-length debut. The EP included three tracks: "Angel to You (Devil to Me)" (written by and Ben Romans), "Pop Princess" (written by Ben Romans), and "Say Goodnight" (written by Ben Romans and Nick Campany), with a total runtime of approximately 12 minutes. In 2006, the band issued Live at Bull Moose, a live EP recorded during an in-store performance at a Bull Moose Music location in , on September 14, 2005, and commercially released on CD via (catalog number 94508-2). This five-track recording captured the band's early stage energy with material from their debut era, distributed primarily through retail chains. That same year, Originals appeared as a digital EP containing three tracks, including an acoustic rendition of "Catch Your Wave," produced in collaboration with magazine for online promotion. With a total duration of 10 minutes, it highlighted stripped-down versions of songs from Greetings from Imrie House. The band also produced limited promo EPs on , such as a custom featuring early singles like "Catch Your Wave," "Angel to You (Devil to Me)," "Pop Princess," and "Just the Girl," aimed at radio and industry audiences but not for wide commercial sale.
TitleRelease DateLabelFormatTracks
Angel to You (Devil to Me)2005LavaCD/EP3
Live at Bull MooseMarch 14, 2006LavaCD5
Rolling Stone Originals2006Atlantic/LavaDigital3

Singles

The Click Five released a series of singles primarily drawn from their two studio albums, Greetings from Imrie House (2005) and Modern Minds and Pastimes (2007), alongside occasional non-album and holiday tracks. Their most successful U.S. single, "Just the Girl," issued in July 2005, peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 37 on the Adult Contemporary chart, driven by radio airplay and inclusion on the album that debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200. The follow-up, "Catch Your Wave," released in January 2006, achieved modest traction, bubbling under at number 108 on the Billboard Hot 100 extensions but failing to enter the main chart. The band's second album yielded "Jenny," released on April 10, 2007, which topped charts in , the , and , reflecting stronger international appeal in compared to domestic performance where it did not chart on the Hot 100. Other promotional or digital singles included holiday releases such as "My Girlfriend (Forgot Me This Christmas)" and a cover of "," both issued around 2005–2006 as non-album tracks. In October 2025, following a lengthy hiatus, the group issued "Throwback" as their first new single in 15 years.
TitleRelease YearAlbum/NotesUS PeakOther Notable Charts
Just the Girl2005Greetings from Imrie House11#37 Adult Contemporary
Catch Your Wave2006Greetings from Imrie House108 (bubbling under)-
Jenny2007Modern Minds and Pastimes-#1 Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore
Throwback2025Non-album single--

Music videos

The Click Five released official music videos primarily to promote singles from their debut album Greetings from Imrie House (2005) and follow-up Modern Minds and Pastimes (2007), often featuring narrative-driven visuals aligned with the band's pop-rock aesthetic and teen-oriented themes. These videos aired on networks like and , contributing to the singles' chart performance on platforms such as VH1's countdowns. Key videos include:
  • "Just the Girl" (2005): The lead single's video, released on October 11, 2005, depicts the band performing in a high school setting with comedic romantic pursuit elements, emphasizing the song's playful lyrics about an unattainable crush.
  • "Catch Your Wave" (2006): Released January 11, 2006, this beach-themed video shows the band and interacting with female leads, capturing a summery, escapist vibe to match the track's upbeat tempo.
  • "Jenny" (2007): Accompanying the title track from Modern Minds and Pastimes, the video portrays a dramatic narrative with the band in urban environments, highlighting emotional intensity through performance shots and storyline cuts.
  • "Empty" (2008): This later video, tied to the second album, features introspective visuals of isolation and longing, with the band delivering live-like renditions amid minimalist staging.
Additional promotional clips, such as for "Headlight Disco" (2007), were uploaded by the band's official channel but received less widespread distribution compared to the major singles' productions.

Legacy

Cultural impact

The Click Five contributed to the mid-2000s teen pop-rock landscape by delivering power-pop songs with catchy melodies targeted at adolescent audiences, particularly girls aged around 14, fostering sing-along enthusiasm at live shows and evoking comparisons to earlier acts like . Their aesthetic, featuring shaggy hair and ties, reinforced a nostalgic nod to film depictions of garage bands while prioritizing accessible, swoon-inducing tracks over deeper lyrical substance. The band appeared as the fictional group 5 Leo Rise in the 2007 teen comedy film Taking 5, where two high school outcasts kidnap a to secure a school concert, highlighting The Click Five's embodiment of manufactured pop appeal in youth-oriented media. In the , their cultural footprint has persisted through , with a 2025 reunion yielding surprise performances of hits like "Just the Girl" at events such as Nite's Beach Bash, drawing crowds reminiscing about early-2000s . A dedicated fanbase, notably in where past shows attracted 15,000–20,000 attendees, continues to engage via streaming and tours, reflecting enduring appeal tied to personal milestones like childhood and high school memories. This revival underscores their role as a emblem of Y2K-era teen music rather than broader genre innovation.

Awards and nominations

The Click Five garnered limited recognition through regional and genre-focused awards, reflecting their niche appeal in pop rock during the mid-2000s. Their most notable win came at the 2007 Boston Music Awards, where they received the Outstanding Pop Act of the Year. Earlier, in 2005, the band won New Local Act at the XM Nation Awards and earned nominations for Outstanding Band as well as Song of the Year for "Just the Girl." Internationally, The Click Five won the Knockout Award—honoring the artist with the biggest impact—at the MTV Asia Awards on August 2, 2008, held in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. They also received a nomination for the 2011 Asian Television Awards, as announced by the band on social media. No major global music awards, such as Grammys or Billboard Music Awards, were bestowed upon the group.
YearAwardCategoryResult
2005XM Nation AwardsNew Local ActWon
2005XM Nation AwardsOutstanding Pop/Rock BandNominated
2005XM Nation AwardsSong of the Year ("Just the Girl")Nominated
2007Boston Music AwardsOutstanding Pop Act of the YearWon
2008MTV Asia AwardsKnockout AwardWon
2011Asian Television Awards(Category unspecified)Nominated

References

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