ULTRABOMB Announce The Release Of Acclaimed New Album THE BRIDGES THAT WE BURN

ULTRABOMB Announce a Tour In Support Of Their New Album THE BRIDGES THAT WE BURN

Review of Ultrabomb Record by The Pit Magazine Contributor Vince Andreasen.

Over the years we have experienced a number of “supergroups” (bands formed by members of previously successful bands) that rarely sound like a hybrid of their prior bands, often failing to match the hype and expectations of fans. So, when the Ultrabomb album, The Bridges That We Burn landed in my inbox I was instantly intrigued. Ultrabomb is a “supergroup” consisting of Greg Norton (Husker Du), Derek O’Brien (Social Distortion/Agent Orange), and Ryan Smith (Soul Asylum). As a huge fan of these bands my immediate questions were “Would this be a punk sounding record?”, “Would this be a 90’s Alternative sounding record?”, “Would I be reminded of any of their prior bands?”, and most importantly “Will this be any good?”. The answers are Yes, Yes, Yes, and YES!

The song titles alone alluded to a nonconformist, anti-establishment, punk record and instantly put a smile on my face. Titles like “Darwin Awards”, “Sicko Rants”, “Mosquito Crucifixion”, and “Checked Out” immediately had me thinking 80’s/90’s punk with driving guitar riffs, blistering drum patterns, angst driven lyrics, and rapid-fire songs over and out in 3 minutes or less. By and large, that is precisely what this record is, with “No Cap” being the longest song at 3:43. “No Cap” is also a prime example of a hybrid sound where you hear elements of Social Distortion in the guitars, straight punk drumming, and elements of Soul Asylum in the vocals. These call-back elements are frequent throughout the record, yet Ultrabomb provides their own distinct sound that is equally fresh and nostalgic as the same time.

I also expected an album titled “The Bridges That We Burn” meant these guys are willing to throw caution to the wind, say whatever they want, and hit us with songs full of anger and apathy that punk rock is known for. Again, expectations met.

The Bridges That We Burn confronts issues with modern living, politics, the perils of social media, and the need to overcome the nonsense. Opening track “Darwin Awards” speaks to poor life decisions. “Look Forward in Anger” is all about news networks fueling partisan politics. “Artificial Stars” talks about hiding behind screens and a need to connect with the real world. And what about just dealing with the daily bull-sh** we all endure, “BSS” covers that with the most 80’s punk rock sounding track on the record.

I’ve used the word “punk” a lot, and although “The Bridges That We Burn” checks off nearly every mark of a tradition punk record, it also sounds polished, modern, and loaded with talent. Guitar solos are brilliant, rhythms are solid, and vocals sit incredibly well with excellent use of harmonies. This is simply a great record and proof that a rock n’ roll record can still be found in 2026, and this is one of the best I’ve heard in some time.

Attention world… Ultrabomb has things to say… it’s best you listen.