Hardcore acoustic guitar

Angel Du$t is a contemporary punk rock band from Maryland with a hardcore flair. Knowing the influence that hardcore punk had on Washington D.C. in the late ’70s and ’80s, it is not surprising to hear hardcore influences in bands from this area today. This hardcore influence can mostly be heard in Daniel Fang’s drumming style. Fang’s frenetic kick-drum emphasized beats drive the band forward with optimal passion and energy. With that being said, what really makes Angel Du$t unique is how they incorporate acoustic guitar into their hardcore punk style of music. Because acoustic guitars are often attributed towards a more mellow style of music, Angel Du$t’s connection acoustic guitar seems to break away from what would be considered traditional punk.

The recently released album Pretty Buff has 13 tracks that are each around 1 minute 45 seconds to 2 minutes 45 seconds long. The quick and informal song lengths on this project may be typical for a punk band, but their sound and aesthetic is certainly not. The intimacy and character they forge on this project are unique. As they furiously lay into their acoustic laden-punk tunes, the band is able to separate themselves from many undercooked punk rock tropes. To put it simply, this band is like a punk version of Guster, Iron & Wine, Band of Horses or the Decemberists. The emotion they convey is consistent, but their sonic approach is certainly a bit more nuanced and mature than many of their peers.

The acoustic guitar on this record has a way of making everything feel lighter. In a way, it limits the rest of the band from getting too heavy. Despite the lead electric guitar, overdriven bass guitar, and upbeat tempo, Angel Du$t is uncharacteristically light and mellow in a refreshingly delightful way. Beyond this, the band also finds a way to make their sound commercially acceptable and radio friendly. Their happy-go-lucky sounding punk tunes does not just work for them, but it works for the listener as well. This is evident when you listen to Pretty Buff. 

“On My Way” starts off fast and is sure to get the listener’s blood pumping. The small break the band implements after the first chorus highlights a nice acoustic guitar performance. The second takes a similar approach with some instrumental variety. This time the bass is highlighted shortly before the song goes into a half-time, breakdown acoustic style. “Bang My Drum” has a unique intro with percussive instruments such as a tambourine, bongos and congas, shaker and a vibraslap. There is even an alto sax solo performance after the guitar solo. This track is unconventional, but ultimately shows some true individualism for the band. The song is truly a head-spinning adventure. Don’t blink or you will miss out on all the idiosyncrasies in this fast-paced 2 min 35-second gem.

The sax is back in the track “Take Away The Pain.” Although simplistic, there are some interesting editing tricks with the fades and swells used across this track. The song ends with a void that slowly washes over the rest of the song. It’s as if the pain is being taken away and leaving the listener in a state of numb bliss. “Want It All” features a surprising, fun sounding glass finger slide on the guitar to give the track a blues sounding vibe. It’s approaches like this that make Angel Du$t shine. They love punk music but clearly are not afraid to expand upon their sound. For this reason, they are certainly a band to watch in the future.

Overall, Pretty Buff by Angel Du$t doesn’t come across as overtly hardcore, but there is nothing wrong with that. The band was able to maintain its punk roots on this project while crafting some light-hearted and fun sounding tunes. Listen carefully and you will find a colorful array of non-traditional instrumentation; making the album, as a whole, uniquely refreshing and fun.