Members of famous punk rock bands from the 1980s and 1990s form a trio to drop new album
Ultrabomb, a punk rock trio hailing from Minneapolis, is set to release their upcoming album, “The Bridges That We Burn,” on May 1. This trio brings together the talents of Greg Norton from Hüsker Dü on bass and backing vocals, Derek O’Brien from Social Distortion, Agent Orange, and the Adolescents on drums and backing vocals, and Ryan Smith from Soul Asylum on lead vocals and guitar. Although the members have backgrounds in iconic bands from previous decades, Ultrabomb is not focused on nostalgia but rather on creating fresh and current music.
While Ultrabomb has been making music since 2021 and has released two albums with Norton leading the way, the current lineup, which came together about a year ago, has brought new energy and creativity to the band. Norton expressed his enthusiasm for the new lineup, particularly highlighting his collaboration with Ryan Smith as a strong writing partnership. Norton believes that their upcoming album is one of the best-sounding records of his entire career, showcasing the evolution of their sound.
The 11-track album, “The Bridges That We Burn,” features high-energy tunes that harken back to the punk and alternative rock scenes of the 1980s and ’90s. Despite these influences, Ultrabomb aims to avoid being labeled as a nostalgia act. They are dedicated to pushing their sound forward and creating music that is relevant to today’s world. The album’s lyrics reflect on current events both in America and worldwide, harnessing the spirit of punk to raise awareness and provoke thought.
One of the standout tracks from the album is the single “no cap,” a melodic anthem with driving energy and a memorable hook. Inspired by the youth vernacular term for telling the truth, the song captures feelings of being overwhelmed and reaching a breaking point. Another notable track is the lead song “Darwin Awards,” which explores the theme of human folly and the tendency for individuals to make foolish decisions.
Overall, “The Bridges That We Burn” showcases the diverse range of Ultrabomb’s musical capabilities, blending various styles and themes seamlessly throughout the album. Norton is confident in the cohesion and quality of the songs, emphasizing that the record came together exceptionally well. With its blend of punk energy, urgent lyrics, and thematic depth, Ultrabomb’s upcoming album promises to make a powerful impact on listeners and firmly establish the band as a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary music scene.