Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade session is a band making their live radio debut. I was introduced to Clickbait mere weeks ago, when the Chicago combo opened for Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers at Nikki Lopez. Their lively mix of punk energy and insistent rhythms immediately reminded me of forbears like Pylon and ESG, while their brightly colored attire and early computer age iconography recalled Devo at their most devolved. After their set I introduced myself to the band and extended an invitation to come on IRHP the next time they found themselves in Philly. That turned out to be a lot sooner than expected, and less than 24 hours after our first meeting, Clickbait were in our performance studio.

The members of Clickbait are deeply entrenched in the Chicago DIY scene, not only as musicians but as small business owners. Their Avondale outpost, Bric-a-Brac Records & Collectibles, overflows with a playfully curated assortment of vinyl, tapes, toys, and more. You’re also likely to find a stock of Clickbait’s debut album, At Your Leisure, which was recorded with another IRHP session veteran, Caulfield Schrug of Sweeping Promises.

Stream Clickbait’s Indie Rock Hit Parade session

Crossed Keys: Full Set (Recorded Live for The Key Studio Sessions)