Bridge The Gap Return With Firepower on Sophomore Album Gainsayer

Salt Lake City punk trio reclaims their roots with a melodic yet hard-hitting follow-up produced by punk royalty.

April 24, 2025, Bridge The Gap is back with a vengeance. The Salt Lake City-based melodic punk band has just dropped their sophomore album, Gainsayer, and it’s nothing short of a sonic gut punch. Released via Double Helix Records with international distribution support from SBAM Records (EU) and Pee Records (Australia/NZ/Japan), this 14-track release is the band’s most powerful and polished work yet.

Produced by punk legend Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, Black Flag) and mixed/mastered by Grammy-winner Jason Livermore (Rise Against, NOFX), Gainsayer is more than a punk record. It’s a tightly-woven, melody-first statement of intent that cements Bridge The Gap as a force in today’s punk resurgence.

Reborn with Purpose

The story behind Bridge The Gap is a punk fairytale with a modern twist. Friends since the ’90s, members Chad Jensen (vocals/guitar), Shon Foster (bass/vocals), and Ryan Thompson (drums/vocals) stepped away from music to build families and careers. But when Jensen began demoing stockpiled material around 2020, the old spark reignited. One call to Stevenson at The Blasting Room, and they were back in business. Their debut album Secret Kombinations lit up the underground without a formal PR push.

That same team returns for Gainsayer, and the evolution is obvious. “The focus was songwriting and melody,” says Jensen. “Not just showing off, but creating something that sticks with people.”

And it sticks. From the driving grit of opener “Gainsayer” to the anthemic hooks of “Broken Language” and “Brothers,” the album delivers melodic fire, potent lyrics, and a barrage of dynamic performances. Tracks like “Dustbin” and “Walking Wounded” hit with raw emotion, while “Something Fierce” and “Without Fail” showcase the band’s ability to balance edge with elegance.

Critical Acclaim & Radio Buzz

Since its April 11 release, Gainsayer has turned heads across the scene. The album has been featured in New Noise Magazine, V13, and Punk News, and is already receiving airplay from over 25 radio stations, including SiriusXM’s Underground Garage. It debuted at #25 on Sub-Modern Albums (Alternative Specialty), signaling strong momentum from fans and tastemakers alike.

Limited Vinyl, Unlimited Passion

True to punk tradition, Gainsayer is also available on limited-edition vinyl through Double Helix Records and international retailers. Four unique variants give collectors and fans something tangible to celebrate, reinforcing the band’s commitment to the community that raised them.

The Verdict

Gainsayer is a statement of growth, not just musically, but emotionally. It reflects seasoned musicians rediscovering their passion, and doing it with the support of punk's most respected producers. Bridge The Gap has bridged the gap between youth and maturity, melody and aggression, and emerged with an album that deserves your ears.