"You've got to feel good, else you're going to make something that doesn't feel like you," says Angel Du$t's vocalist and songwriter Justice Tripp about the band's new record 'Cold 2 The Touch'.
That same sentiment sits at the band's core. After 2023's 'Brand New Soul', Angel Du$t enter a new chapter after a decade-plus playing together.
Tripp says this release feels different to anything before and directs focus to experiencing new moments and experiences rather than reliving the past. Compared to their past releases, Tripp is confident you can hear the change.
While the record touches on ideas of purpose, morality and sacrifice, Tripp is clear that 'Cold 2 The Touch' is not a reactionary statement about the outside world.
Instead, it reflects his internal relationship with music itself and serves as a statement of authenticity.
'Cold 2 The Touch' is the band's first release officially through the Boston-based Run For Cover Records (known for artists such as Basement, Citizen, Fiddlehead and more), which Tripp expresses a genuine gratitude for working so closely with the cult label.
When asked about the band's long history of dedication to the hardcore/ punk scene, Tripp looks back to the days of MySpace music and laughs at how innocent it all once was.
Early releases were about getting as much music released as possible, whether half mixed or completed, doing what felt good in the moment.
While Tripp acknowledged the new process of releasing a record can feel cold, the industry machine is beneficial nonetheless.
In a world of seven-second content, it's up to artists to step up and find ways to market themselves. "Making a record is art, but releasing a record is art too," he says.
With 'Cold 2 The Touch', Tripp feels like the process of doing it right has paid off. They've filmed seven music videos for the record, acknowledging some of these may not ever see the light of day.
The frontman hopes the band's audience appreciate the care that has been poured into the project. That care extends to the people Angel Du$t chooses to work with.
Tripp describes the band as fans first. Whether it is musicians, artists or friends, collaboration only works when there is genuine respect.
Hardcore has always been about shared energy and community rather than career moves. Working heavily with visual artist Zach Hobbs for much of their record art, t-shirt designs and more, Hobbs has helped shape the band's identity.
While Tripp recognises the benefit of working with trending and up-and-coming talent, he feels a heavier privilege with artists that also inspire him with 'Cold 2 The Touch' toting features from Scott Vogel (Terror), Wes Eisold (American Nightmare/ Cold Cave) and Frank Carter. "What Wes gave to me was an artistic approach to aggressive music," Tripp says.
Speaking from his chest, Justice makes sure to sing the praises of artists Taylor Young and Baltimore band Crown of Thorns, which served as a reference point in Tripp's songwriting and in channeling emotion and love into Angel Du$t's music.
Tripp extended those praises to recent releases from acts like End It, Militarie Gun, SPEED and Turnstile, with the last mentioned recently winning two Grammys for their record 'Never Enough'.
Last visiting Australia in 2023, Angel Du$t will return this month supporting Superheaven. "I've been on this thing where I want to come to Australia two, three times a year."
Tripp returns to the idea of being a fan first of the people he's playing with and how in turn that identity helped shape a record that could be played live front to back.
As the call winds down, Tripp touches on the idea of purpose and the intention behind 'Cold 2 The Touch'. It's a record that digs for the most authentic version of itself and is a culmination of not just one, but a whole team.
"This record portrays all the best things about Angel Du$t and all the best things about the people we work with."
Angel Du$t is here because they love it, because community matters, because sleeping in vans and skipping meals only makes sense when the music means something.
Superheaven & Angel Du$t 2026 Tour Dates
Thu 30 Apr - The Triffid (Brisbane)* selling fast
Fri 1 May - Prince Bandroom (Melbourne)* new show
Sat 2 May - 170 Russell (Melbourne)* sold out
Sun 3 May - Liberty Hall (Sydney)* final tickets
Tue 5 May - Lion Arts Factory (Adelaide)* sold out
Wed 6 May - Amplifier Bar (Perth)* sold out
