Pop-punk fans, it’s time to add a new anthem to your playlists because Chicago’s When The Sun Sets just dropped their latest single, “Came Up Short,” and it’s an absolute vibe. The track is another taste of the band’s highly anticipated full-length album The Cards We’re Dealt, which already feels like it’s shaping up to be their biggest and boldest release yet.
“Came Up Short” is the kind of song that hits both sides of the pop-punk spectrum. On the surface, it’s upbeat and bursting with energy, perfect for blasting with the windows down. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find lyrics that tackle tough themes like mental health and self-doubt. It’s that contrast—catchy hooks mixed with real, relatable struggles—that makes this band so easy to connect with.
The music video doubles down on the theme in the most fun way possible. Instead of going dark and moody, the band leaned into their playful side by shooting a basketball-themed video—despite not being great at the sport. Vocalist Zack Baumgartner explains it best: “This song is about battling mental health and feeling like you don’t measure up, and we wanted to do something that none of us were great at. Basketball was the clear winner… and the timing was perfect.” The result? A visual that’s lighthearted and fun while still packing an emotional punch.
Zack goes on to share that the heart of the song is about letting people know they’re never alone: “Came Up Short is about feeling like you can’t or won’t measure up in parts of your life. We wrote it to inspire others and show them they aren’t alone. You are always going to be good enough, no matter what your thoughts are telling you.” It’s the kind of message that hits hard, especially in a scene built on connection and community.
And the best part? This is just one piece of The Cards We’re Dealt. With features from friends across the scene like 408, Definitely Maybe, latenightsinmycar, and lolitslea, plus a tracklist full of fun and emotional moments, the album is set to feel like a journey through both the highs and lows of life. After three EPs and seven years as a band, this debut full-length is truly their statement piece.
If you’ve followed When The Sun Sets for a while, you already know they’re masters at balancing the serious with the fun. Whether it’s heartfelt ballads like “February,” scene collaborations like “Undertow,” or energetic live shows alongside bands like Bearings and The Home Team, they’ve built a reputation on making sure no fan ever feels alone. “Came Up Short” only strengthens that bond—and proves this band is more than ready to level up.
So, throw on a jersey, maybe shoot a hoop or two, and let When The Sun Sets remind you that even when life feels heavy, you’re never really coming up short.
