You know songs that make you and about a thousand other people want to flash-mob Michigan Avenue with a choreographed interpretive dance, which inspires the masses to step out of their cars and cheer? “Hey Chicago” from The Dead Century gives off that vibe. Of course, the lyrics don’t ring as cheery, but whatever.
Yes, the new track from the Twin Cities four-piece sounds like a cinematic rock opus out of the brains of Springsteen, The Hold Steady, or The Killers, bands which The Dead Century call inspirations. Soaring guitars and uptempo vibes give “Hey Chicago” a nostalgic feeling, almost like something from the soundtrack for credits from an ’80s rom-com.
Funny that I should mention anything associated with romance, however, since the song centers around the hope and uncertainty stemming from the end of a relationship. Remember when I said the lyrics weren’t cheery? Here’s an example: “You could have had it any other way / Hey Chicago, keep a look out on those better days / You turn enough damn corners and the whole thing looks like a maze”.
That’s some fine poetry from The Dead Century, and the juxtaposition of the happy music and heartbroken words makes for a modern rock masterpiece. It’s the band’s second single of 2026 following February’s “Been Better”, and although they’ve had sparse output over the past several years, we’re hoping their tracks this year hint at a bigger release down the road. After all, we need more of their music to help us dance in the middle of the street. While sobbing, of course. We, like The Dead Century’s tunes, contain multitudes.
The Dead Century are brothers Nick Check (vox/guitar) and JP Check (bass), along with their friends Austin Peterson (vox/guitar) and Robert Muehlbauer (drums). Take a listen to “Hey Chicago” below.
Written by Will Sisskind
