Today is the day that the supergroup known as UltraBomb (featuring Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü) Finny McConnell (The Mahones) and Jamie Oliver (UK Subs)) release their new album titled ‘Dying To Smile’ via DC-Jam Records. Jammerzine also has an exclusive interview (video above) with UltraBomb bassist and indie legend Greg Norton.
Having started his professional career in Hüsker Dü in the beginning glory days of the punk and indie music scenes, Greg is literally one of the pioneers of what is both revered and copied today, which is what is now the alternative to the alternative. That what was once revered before it became repeated and is now being taken back by the ones who deserve the crown. That is what punk is to me, at this moment. But what it truly is changes from day to day and ear to ear. It’s a properly organic thing that can both a monster and a muse, depending on who grabs the torch and who carries and cares for it.
That is what ‘Dying To Smile’, UltraBomb’s new album dropping today, is to me. The preservation of that torch as well as the advancement. Twelve tracks of angst, anarchy, and insight from those who not only carry the torch, but helped light it.
And, in this interview, we talk with Greg about ‘Dying To Smile’ as well as where that scene is headed and what it all means to him and more.
Check out our other features with UltraBomb HERE.
About UltraBomb
UltraBomb, the eagerly anticipated international supergroup, have now arrived bringing together three iconic musicians from the cream of punk rock. On bass is the legend that is Greg Norton, once the driving force behind one of the most influential bands to emerge from the American punk scene, Hüsker Dü. Next up is the indefatigable singer-guitarist Finny McConnell, a name you’ll recognize from thirty years as the frontman of the Canadian Irish folk-punk sensation The Mahones. Completing the trio is the drumming powerhouse Jamie Oliver, having served well over fifteen years in the seminal British punk band UK Subs, as well as shorter stints with the likes of SNFU among others.
UltraBomb formed in July 2021, and just two months later they travelled from their respective homes in the US, Canada and the UK to record their killer debut album ‘Time To Burn’ in Berlin, Germany. With a DIY ethic and a love of classic punk, the band wrote and recorded the ten-track LP in just four days.
UltraBomb’s debut single ‘Stickman Vs. Hangman’ dropped in February 2022 to a crescendo of critical acclaim, and is set to be followed by the full length album ‘Time To Burn’ in the summer.
Ultrabomb consists of a group of heavy music industry hitters that include Greg Norton (Husker Du), Finny McConnell (The Mahones), & Jamie Oliver (UK Subs). The band will release its sophomore album ‘Dying To Smile’ worldwide on June 7th via DC-Jam Records. The album’s first single “Rage Bomb” is now streaming.
Ultrabomb just completed a full East Coast tour and will be touring Europe next, followed by another US tour in the fall.
UltraBomb is
- Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü)
- Finny McConnell (The Mahones)
- Jamie Oliver (UK Subs)