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Album review: Ultrabomb’s third LP ‘The Bridges That We Burn’

Punk rock power trio keep it modern and relevant with melodic and catchy tunes!

Punk rock power trio UltraBomb are based in Minneapolis, with the members having been in well-known bands beforehand – Hüsker Dü, Social Distortion, Agent Orange, Adolescents, and Soul Asylum. The trio channel decades of punk and alternative rock history into music that feels immediate and relevant rather than retrospective.

UltraBomb’s upcoming third album The Bridges That We Burnconsists of 11 tracks and is due to be released on 1st May 2026 via DC-Jam Records/Virgin Music Group.

The album was recorded at Creation Audio, Minneapolis, MN. Produced, engineered, and mixed by John Fields. Mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering, Madison, WI.

UltraBomb band 2025
UltraBomb

Meet UltraBomb:

Ryan Smith – Lead vocals and guitar
Greg Norton – Bass and backing vocals
Derek O’Brien – Drums and backing vocals

John Fields plays accordion on tracks 6 and 9 on the album.

UltraBomb released their first track ‘Artificial Stars’ on 2nd January 2026.

“Sitting in our bunkers, we only have artificial stars to look at. We are all scarred, but we keep reaching for those stars.” – Greg Norton.

Second track ‘Checked Out’ was released on 23rd January 2026.

“Checked Out was inspired by life on the road, but there are many things we check out of. Sometimes in life you just need to move on.” – Greg Norton.

‘Look Forward In Anger’ dropped on 13th February, with an accompanying video.

“‘Look Forward In Anger’ is a commentary on how partisan politics push to divide us, when we should all be coming together. Love over BS, any day.” – Greg Norton.

And final track ‘No Cap’ was released on 6th March 2026 with a music video.

“There is a lot of noise to keep us distracted. Everyone has an opinion, informed, and not informed. I’m at capacity with all the bs, let’s start real conversations.” – Greg Norton.

Now, on to what you’ve been waiting for… the review! This is my first time listening to UltraBomb, and I have to say, I’m not disappointed! Melodic punk mixed with alternative rock, keeping it modern and relevant, this band shows us how it’s done. They call out political and social issues, while still keeping their music upbeat and catchy. UltraBomb turn their shared frustrations into connection, purpose, and positive movement. Powerful and epic riffs with fast, hard-hitting drums and harmonious vocals throughout, these guys sure know how to keep a listener hooked! Sharp, raw, and unapologetically direct, UltraBomb is what a punk band should be.

I will definitely be listening to The Bridges That We Burn on repeat, and listening to more from UltraBomb. I’m very excited to see what the band will release next!

Catch UltraBomb at one of these upcoming West Coast shows:

May 22 – Long Beach CA, Alex’s Bar
May 23 – San Diego CA, Soda Bar w/ Swinging Utters
May 24 – Los Angeles CA, Permanent Records
May 25 – San Francisco CA, Bottom of the Hill w/ Peelander Z, and Freak Accident
May 26 – Sacramento CA, Cafe Colonial
*May 28 – Reno NV, Club Underground
*May 29 – Petaluma CA, Wonderstump!
*May 30 – Fresno CA Summer Fox Brewery
* w/ Boss’ Daughter

The Bridges That We Burn’ will be released on May 1st on DC-Jam Records, pre-order pre-save from HERE

Main Photo Credit: GREG NORTON

  1. Darwin Awards
  2. Divert/Deflect
  3. Artificial Stars
  4. Zombie Zeroes
  5. No Cap
  6. Sicko Rants
  7. Checked Out
  8. Look Forward In Anger
  9. BSS
  10. Last Time
  11. Mosquito Crucifixion
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