Music Madness: The fab five - Portrait Magazine

Music Madness - September Column
Written by: Brittany Laine

Artist Spotlight

Who’s hot this month?


This fab five, who are currently touring with this generation’s kings of teeny-bopper pop, the Backstreet Boys, have definite potential to hit it big on the pop circuit.

And what do they sound like, you ask? Well, think of them as a fusion of funky ‘Stacy’s Mom’ crooners Fountains of Wayne, 60’s phenomenon the Beatles, and super-poppy, one hit wonders LMNT (remember 2002’s mind-numbing, stuck-in-your-head hit ‘Hey Juliet’?). Some might describe them as power-pop with a little emo and punk-pop mixed in, as well.

The band originates from Boston, where 4 out of the 5 band members attended the Berklee College of Music. When the band began, back in 2003, it was known simply as the Click. In 2004, they gained exposure by performing as Ashlee Simpson’s opening act. In late 2004, they became The Click Five and signed with Lava Records, collaborating with people like Elliot Easton of the Cars and Paul Stanley of Kiss; the producer of Fountains of Wayne joined the team and helped produce their debut album.

A few of the tracks were actually written by Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger, while the majority of the album’s numbers were written by the band’s keyboardist, Ben Romans.


Their first single, “Just the Girl,” continues to climb the charts; in early August, it reached the top 40. It’s good and catchy, everything a first single should be. True, it sounds a little manufactured, and that’s a tough thing for a new band to debut with, but I have faith. There’s definite growing potential, and I’m sure it’ll become evident with their next single.

Looks-wise, the band is reminiscent of the Beatles; shaggy hair, matching suits; very Paul McCartney circa 1964. I truly like this band and their image, but they’re going to have to work hard to set themselves apart from other bands in this genre. It’s easy to get lost in the world of ginchy teen-pop while going for the emo edge.

But, watch out world, this power-pop quintet is determined to take you by storm. Armed with their debut album, ‘Greetings from Imrie House’ and their catchy first single, “Just the Girl,” they’re sure to be a hit.

The band’s first album dropped August 16th, and you can check out more on them at www.theclickfive.com. Go; surf; listen. You won’t regret it.


Tours and Music News


Talk about a crazy line up. Have you ever pictured yourself checking out a Rolling Stones concert? Believe me, this year, you definitely should. The Stones have assembled a wide variety of today’s best and brightest to open for them…And I do mean wide variety; everyone from the Black Eyed Peas to Maroon 5 to Metallica are honored to grace the stage of the Rolling Stones. Talk about a music extravaganza; Ozz Fest has nothing on the Stones.


Though the Van’s Warped tour wrapped up earlier in August, you should check out the bands that toured this year. 2005 Warped had an incredible line up that included some of my favorite bands. If you’re into punk rock and metal, take this list and run to the record store, because these suggestions are good. This year, Warped displayed the talents of My Chemical Romance, The Starting Line, Fall Out Boy, Thrice, All-American Rejects, Avenged Sevenfold, Relient K, Hawthorne Heights. And that’s just to name a few. For a full list of who rocked the Warped stage, check out www.warpedtour.com.