The Click Five
The Click Five is an American power pop band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2003 by students at Berklee College of Music, consisting initially of vocalist Eric Dill, lead guitarist Joe Guese, bassist Ethan Mentzer, keyboardist Ben Romans, and drummer Joey Zehr.[1][2] The band adopted a mod-inspired image while delivering a modern rock sound blending power pop and punk elements, gaining prominence through their debut single "Just the Girl," which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2005.[1][3] Their first album, Greetings from Imrie House (2005), released via Lava Records/Atlantic Records, featured additional hits like "Catch Your Wave" and established their international appeal, with tracks topping charts in countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.[4][5] Following lineup changes, including the replacement of Dill with Kyle Patrick, the group issued Modern Minds and Pastimes (2007), which included the single "Jenny" and further singles achieving number-one status across multiple Asian markets.[6][4] 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.[7]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.[2][8] Guese, who initiated the group, recruited lead vocalist Eric Dill, a childhood friend from his hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania, to complete the lineup.[2] 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.[9] Following their assembly, the band quickly began performing at local Boston venues, building a regional following through consistent live shows that emphasized their energetic performances and matching mod-style suits.[10] 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.[8] This demo led to their signing with Lava Records, an imprint of Atlantic Records, later that year, marking a pivotal step toward national exposure.[2] 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.[2]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.[11] The record debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, moving 52,000 units in its first week.[11] It featured power pop tracks produced with influences from 1960s and 1970s acts, emphasizing catchy hooks and harmonies.[12] 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 Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, the song benefited from heavy MTV exposure, including performances on Total Request Live.[13] A follow-up single, "Catch Your Wave," arrived in November 2005, extending the album's promotional cycle into 2006.[14] During late 2005 and early 2006, the band supported their release through extensive touring, serving as opening acts for established artists such as Ashlee Simpson, the Backstreet Boys on their Never Gone Tour, and Jesse McCartney.[6] These opportunities, alongside radio play and video airtime, contributed to the group's breakthrough among teen and young adult audiences, marking their transition from local Boston act to national recognition.[15]2007–2008: Lineup change and second album
In early 2007, lead vocalist Eric Dill left The Click Five amid creative differences with the other members regarding the band's direction.[2] 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.[16] The band recruited Canadian singer-songwriter Kyle Patrick (born Kyle Dickherber) as their new frontman later that spring, marking a significant lineup shift.[17] [18] Patrick, previously involved in solo work and theater, integrated quickly and contributed vocals to the band's ongoing material.[17] 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.[19] 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.[19] [20] 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 2009, following the release of their second album, The Click Five were dropped by Atlantic Records, prompting a shift to independent production for their subsequent material.[21] The band self-released singles such as "I Quit! I Quit! I Quit!" in April 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.[22] Their third studio album, TCV, was recorded independently and initially released exclusively in Asia on November 16, 2010, via Warner Music, marking a departure from major-label distribution in North America and Europe.[23] The album featured 11 tracks, including the lead single "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 indie rock."[24] A wider release followed in May 2011 through smaller labels LoJinx in the UK and Q Dee Records in the US, but it garnered minimal commercial traction, with no entries on major charts and sparse media coverage.[6] Post-TCV, the band's activity dwindled, characterized by infrequent live performances and a prolonged hiatus amid shifting member priorities.[16] Frontman Kyle Patrick later attributed part of the slowdown to the toll of constant touring, which left members feeling ungrounded and disconnected from personal lives.[25] By 2012, 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 Facebook 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.[26] The dissolution was amicable, with no public disputes cited, though it reflected broader challenges in sustaining momentum without major-label support and amid evolving music industry dynamics favoring digital singles over full albums.[8]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 Emo Nite event, signaling a return to live performances driven by fan nostalgia for their early-2000s pop-rock sound.[27] The band, consisting of original members including vocalist Joe Jonas-era collaborator Ezra Koenig 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.[28] The reunion culminated in The Click 2025 Tour, beginning with sold-out dates in Asia, including stops in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, where the band had maintained a strong following from prior international success.[29] The North American leg launched on October 14, 2025, at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California, followed by a performance on October 16 at the B Side at House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada, and additional U.S. cities through the fall.[7][30] As of October 26, 2025, the tour remains ongoing, with confirmed dates including a show at The Recher in Towson, Maryland, featuring special guest Bermuda Search Party, and further stops emphasizing VIP experiences and fan giveaways.[31][32] The performances have drawn attention for reviving the band's high-energy stage presence, though no new full-length album has been announced.[33]Musical style and influences
Musical style
The Click Five's music is primarily power pop, featuring energetic rhythms, catchy hooks, and guitar-driven arrangements that evoke a modern rock sound paired with a sharp, mod-inspired aesthetic.[1] The band has characterized their style as "new school power pop," emphasizing pop rock structures with occasional pop-punk edges, designed for broad appeal through accessible melodies and clean production.[34] This approach resulted in songs blending upbeat tempos and harmonious vocals, often targeting a young audience while drawing on classic pop-rock conventions.[35] 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 Billboard Hot 100 and exemplified their initial focus on punchy, radio-friendly power pop.[1] 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.[2] 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.[4] This progression reflected a shift from teen-pop vibrancy to more layered, retro-infused rock without abandoning their foundational emphasis on melodic immediacy.[2]Influences
The Click Five drew from a diverse array of rock and pop influences, spanning classic acts from the 1960s and 1970s to early 2000s power pop ensembles. In a 2007 interview, the band described their primary style as rooted in the power pop genre, which "takes its roots from the '60s and '70s rock bands."[36] 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 Billy Joel, Elton John, Queen, Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Maynard James Keenan (of Tool and A Perfect Circle) as key influences from their formative years, blending piano-driven pop-rock with heavier alternative elements.[37] Lead singer Kyle Patrick, in a 2025 interview amid the band's reunion, emphasized power pop and rock 'n' roll forebears including Tom Petty, Weezer, Green Day, and The Cars, noting these shaped their songwriting focus on nostalgic, hook-laden structures.[38] Guitarist Joe Guese added affinity for Fountains of Wayne, another power pop act produced by Max Martin associate Adam Schlesinger, highlighting shared production aesthetics in their sophomore album Modern Minds and Pastimes (2007).[38] 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.[38] Overall, the group's sound prioritized catchy, guitar-centric pop-rock over strict genre adherence, prioritizing melodic accessibility derived from Petty's heartland rock storytelling and Weezer's geeky power chords.[38]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 The Beatles.[39] [40] This uniform style, which extended to album artwork and live performances, positioned the band as polished teen idols targeting a young female demographic while distinguishing them from grittier contemporary rock peers.[41] [42] The band's visual branding drew comparisons to boy bands but incorporated power pop and mod revival elements, with members emphasizing organic formation over manufactured pop tropes in interviews.[41] [43] 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 The Cars, though the quintet resisted pure "boy band" labels by highlighting Berklee College influences and live instrumentation.[44] [45] 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.[46] The 2025 reunion retained nostalgic elements of their original look for marketing the tour but emphasized enduring fan connections over stylistic revival.[38]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.[47][48] 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."[47][44] However, outlets like SPIN panned it as unenjoyable and dated-sounding, arguing the synth elements evoked outdated '80s revivalism without redeeming guilty-pleasure appeal.[48] The 2007 album Modern Minds and Pastimes drew middling reviews, earning a 6.8/10 from IGN for strong up-tempo tracks but criticism for sleep-inducing ballads and an overall formulaic feel that prioritized tempo shifts over substance.[49] Critics noted the vocalist change from Eric Dill to Kyle Patrick contributed to a "faceless" sound, though some appreciated hooks in singles like "Jenny."[50] 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 indie rock."[51][24] Melodic Net faulted it for not matching the debut's impact, signaling a perceived creative decline.[22] Overall, reception underscored a divide between pop enthusiasts valuing the band's melodic consistency and detractors viewing it as commercially driven without artistic depth.[52]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.[53] The track dominated digital platforms, holding the number one position on iTunes downloads for over two weeks and earning RIAA platinum certification for exceeding one million digital units sold.[54] 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.[34] 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.[55][56] 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.[57][58] 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.[59][60] 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.[38][61]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.[2][6] 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.[26] 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.[60]| Member | Role | Years active |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Dill | Lead vocals | 2003–2007 |
| Ben Romans | Keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals | 2003–2013 |
| Ethan Mentzer | Bass, backing vocals | 2003–2013 |
| Joey Zehr | Drums, backing vocals | 2003–2013 |
Discography
Studio albums
The Click Five released three studio albums between 2005 and 2011.| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Greetings from Imrie House | August 16, 2005 | Lava Records[63][64] |
| Modern Minds and Pastimes | June 26, 2007 | Lava/Atlantic[65][66] |
| TCV | November 16, 2010 (Asia); May 17, 2011 (North America) | Warner Music (Asia); Lojinx (Europe)[67][68][69] |
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 Lava Records as a precursor to the band's full-length debut. The EP included three tracks: "Angel to You (Devil to Me)" (written by Paul Stanley 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.[70][71] 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 Scarborough, Maine, on September 14, 2005, and commercially released on CD via Lava Records (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.[72][73] That same year, Rolling Stone Originals appeared as a digital EP containing three tracks, including an acoustic rendition of "Catch Your Wave," produced in collaboration with Rolling Stone magazine for online promotion. With a total duration of 10 minutes, it highlighted stripped-down versions of songs from Greetings from Imrie House.[74][75] The band also produced limited promo EPs on Atlantic Records, such as a custom CDR 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.[62][76]| Title | Release Date | Label | Format | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angel to You (Devil to Me) | 2005 | Lava | CD/EP | 3 |
| Live at Bull Moose | March 14, 2006 | Lava | CD | 5 |
| Rolling Stone Originals | 2006 | Atlantic/Lava | Digital | 3 |
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.[77] 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.[77] The band's second album yielded "Jenny," released on April 10, 2007, which topped charts in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, reflecting stronger international appeal in Asia compared to domestic performance where it did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100.[34] Other promotional or digital singles included holiday releases such as "My Girlfriend (Forgot Me This Christmas)" and a cover of "Silent Night," both issued around 2005–2006 as non-album tracks.[71] In October 2025, following a lengthy hiatus, the group issued "Throwback" as their first new single in 15 years.[78]| Title | Release Year | Album/Notes | US Billboard Hot 100 Peak | Other Notable Charts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just the Girl | 2005 | Greetings from Imrie House | 11 | #37 Adult Contemporary[77] |
| Catch Your Wave | 2006 | Greetings from Imrie House | 108 (bubbling under) | -[77] |
| Jenny | 2007 | Modern Minds and Pastimes | - | #1 Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore[34] |
| Throwback | 2025 | Non-album single | - | -[78] |
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 MTV and Total Request Live, contributing to the singles' chart performance on platforms such as VH1's countdowns.[79][80] 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.[81][79]
- "Catch Your Wave" (2006): Released January 11, 2006, this beach-themed video shows the band surfing and interacting with female leads, capturing a summery, escapist vibe to match the track's upbeat tempo.[82][80]
- "Jenny" (2007): Accompanying the title track from Modern Minds and Pastimes, the video portrays a dramatic breakup narrative with the band in urban environments, highlighting emotional intensity through performance shots and storyline cuts.[83]
- "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.[71]
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 Fountains of Wayne.[85] 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.[85] 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 boy band to secure a school concert, highlighting The Click Five's embodiment of manufactured pop appeal in youth-oriented media.[86] In the 2020s, their cultural footprint has persisted through nostalgia, with a 2025 reunion yielding surprise performances of hits like "Just the Girl" at events such as Emo Nite's Beach Bash, drawing crowds reminiscing about early-2000s fandom.[58] A dedicated fanbase, notably in Asia 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.[38] This revival underscores their role as a emblem of Y2K-era teen music rather than broader genre innovation.[38]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.[87] Earlier, in 2005, the band won New Local Act at the XM Nation Awards and earned nominations for Outstanding Pop/Rock Band as well as Song of the Year for "Just the Girl."[88] 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.[29] 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.| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | XM Nation Awards | New Local Act | Won[88] |
| 2005 | XM Nation Awards | Outstanding Pop/Rock Band | Nominated[88] |
| 2005 | XM Nation Awards | Song of the Year ("Just the Girl") | Nominated[88] |
| 2007 | Boston Music Awards | Outstanding Pop Act of the Year | Won[87] |
| 2008 | MTV Asia Awards | Knockout Award | Won[29] |
| 2011 | Asian Television Awards | (Category unspecified) | Nominated |