As far as supergroups go, UltraBomb has a legendary line-up. Ryan Smith from Soul Asylum, Derek O’Brien from Agent Orange, and Greg Norton from Hüsker Dü. Their third full-length, The Bridges That We Burn, drops on May 1, and I had a chance to talk to Greg Norton about the album, where the band is now, and what their next moves are.
Originally, the band consisted of Norton, Finny McConnell of The Mahones, and Jamie Oliver of the UK Subs. It was just a way for the three to play some covers of Cock Sparrer, The Mahones, and the UK Subs. After having studio time booked, the three decided to write some original tunes, according to Norton.
“We wrote ten songs in two days in the studio,” says Norton. “Given Finny’s background, Jamie’s background, and mine, we had a deep toolbox to draw from. Writing and playing those songs together felt easy. The second album followed a similar approach.”
After the second album, the line-up changed. Visa issues made it difficult to tour with Jamie, and Finny left after he and Greg disagreed on how to push forward with the band. Ryan Smith stepped in and solidified the new line-up.
“I was lucky enough to have Ryan Smith fill in for a show in St. Paul last February,” says Norton. “Derek and I were really impressed and asked him to join. Ryan’s busy—He’s in Soul Asylum and other projects—but after talking it over with his wife, he decided to do it.”
Norton says that making The Bridges That We Burn was different from the previous albums. When they hit the studio, they were ready to rock.
“We started writing songs last July, and “Artificial Stars” was written right before we went out on a Midwest tour,” Norton says. “We wrote three songs in that first session, and by the time we hit the studio, everything was already written. We’d played the songs live and worked out the arrangements.”
Norton explained that all members have a part in shaping the songs. The first two UltraBomb records reminded him of the early days of Husker Du: throwing ideas around, experimenting, and playing every night to create something.
“That kind of collaboration eventually faded in Hüsker Dü Not in a bad way, but Bob (Mould) and Grant (Hart) are strong songwriters. For me, though, collaboration makes it a more joyful experience,” says Norton.
Through collaboration, the band created their new album, The Bridges That We Burn. Collaboration solidified the creative process. One song was written for their second album, Dying to Smile, but didn’t make the cut. Norton liked the lyrics, so he sent them to Ryan to do something with them. Norton liked what he came up with, and thus a new song was born. However, the other songs are brand new.
“The rest of the songs were written last summer and reflect the times we’re living in. I’m in Minneapolis–St. Paul, and things feel pretty intense right now. The songs aren’t overtly political, but they’re influenced by the moment we’re in,” says Norton.
As in most bands, some of the demos of the songs changed from conception to recording, thanks to Norton’s new band members.
“A couple of songs started as rough ideas from Ryan and evolved completely,” says Norton. “Sometimes something doesn’t match what you imagined lyrically, but by the end, it clicks perfectly.”
Capturing the energy in the studio was crucial for UltraBomb. The band followed how Hüsker Dü recorded, creating basic tracks from one or two live takes, and building the song up from there.
“With this record, John Fields had near-final mixes done by day five,” says Norton. “It still captures a live feel, but it sounds incredibly polished.”
Norton acknowledged that he is becoming a better lyricist through his duties in UltraBomb. As he is working with Ryan, Derek, and John in the studio, Norton believes he is becoming a better songwriter, as well. And that shines through on this new album.
“Someone told me it’s the most “pro” record I’ve ever made, which meant a lot,” says Norton. “I joke that “Artificial Stars” is the worst—It was the first one we wrote with this lineup.”
As they get ready for the album to release, Norton says that the pressure to meet any expectations isn’t present. His main focus with the band is to keep growing, keep gaining fans, and keep evolving as a musician.
“I just want the audience to grow, to keep writing music, and to keep playing shows. UltraBomb is a high-energy live band, and as long as we’re having fun and making great music, that’s enough,” says Norton.
Though, that success does not mean selling out stadiums for the musician. Norton is true to his craft and his focus is set on making sure enough people hear UltraBomb and check the band out.
“I don’t want to be an arena band, but selling out small clubs would be great. Touring with bigger bands would be amazing—Something like opening for the B-52s would be a perfect fit,” says Norton. “I’d love to sell out First Avenue someday. For now, I’d happily settle for selling out the Turf Club.”
The Bridges That We Burn is out today, and you can order it here. Follow UltraBomb on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.
Photo Credit: Greg Norton
