When I think of Twin Cities indie rock, I think of sloppy excess and a whole lot of sneering. Or, y'know, brooding kinda alt-country. But I'm an old guy. I saw Soul Asylum years before "Runaway Train." Anyway, the Dead Century plays tightly-wound punchers with style and bite. There was a time that this sound was kinda mainstream. That time is gone.

The Dead Century The Well EP (self-released)

So, yes, there are a few nods to latter-day Soul Asylum (particularly in the chord structures), but the Dead Century isn't quite so hook heavy. This is more Smithereens territory, but with more kick. A general melancholy permeates, but the band seems to want to escape.

And sometimes it does, often by veering into more technical and pop territory. The Dead Century clearly doesn't know exactly what it is or where it is going. This six-song set provides some hints. The technical prowess is impressive, as is the wide-ranging songwriting. I can hear these boys shining things up and going for the gold ring, and I can hear them trying to find the dust in the corner. This is an intriguing start. I'm curious what comes next.

Jon Worley