1476 'A Wolf's Age'

The United States has experienced a huge growth in underground punk/rock bands over the last few years with the emergence of bands such as Blitzkid, Sex Slaves, Wednesday 13's Gunfire 76, Sorry & The Sinatras and Acey Slade and the Dark Party, to name just a few. The latest band to add their name to this impressive list is Massachusetts born 1476.

After a long recording process, 1476's debut album 'A Wolf's Age' was released in February 2010 and from the opening track Anno Domini, it is quite clear that this band is definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.

1476 gained a huge underground following due to the presence of Argyle Goolsby of Blitzkid and Gorgeous Frankenstein fame on 'A Wolf's Age', but credit must go to Robb Kavjian and Neil DeRosa, who are the brains behind this band.

From fast flowing punk tracks like the aforementioned Anno Domini which opens the album with an upbeat punk anthem that is very reminiscent of former gods of the genre The Misfits, to the slower rhythmic Herne's Oak, a track which slows the tempo of the album and incorporates a perfectly weighted vocal track with the slower verses which have been absent in the genre since the demise of Son Of Sam. These two tracks act as a platform to the album and are interbred to produce the fun and upbeat Swallow The Sun which combines both of the above.

'A Wolf's Age' takes a completely unexpected turn through Der Vampyr, which contributes a slow paced goth/rock vibe to the album. Der Vampyr is an interesting track which combines some very different vocal styles. With a very low yet clean intro which sounds like Jyrki from The 69 Eyes and acoustic punk, almost country-esque style verses which could almost be described as a punk version of Johnny Cash before finally coming into its own throughout the choruses, this track must be heard to be appreciated as it's a very unique piece of well crafted punk rock.

While being an unexpected inclusion to the album, the severe change in direction is welcomed as it breaks the general flow of the album and adds a whole different sound to the record.

The heavier punk rock side of this album that we witness through The Cleansing Scourge can best be described as a mix between The Misfits and The Damned, therefore sliding this band heavily into the goth/punk genre, but don't be mistaken, a vast majority of the record is quite easy going which solidifies 1476 as a post-punk outfit.

The closing track, Closed Casket Heart deserves special mention. Argyle Goolsby is credited with writing this track but his obvious horror punk influence is only evident from the title, this track is an incredibly well written piece of music. Combining Kavjian's acoustic punk demeanor with the songwriting prowess of Goolsby, the collaboration results in a four minute acoustic outro which mellows out the end of the album and leaves the listener with a sense of utmost satisfaction.

With a debut album which introduces 1476 to so many different styles of music, this band has the ability to go in any direction with the next release. Its been stated on the band's Facebook Page that they are open to working with many different artists, such as the inclusion of Goolsby on 'A Wolf's Age', with such an open mind to the writing and recording process, it'll be very interesting to hear what happens next with 1476.

To purchase 'A Wolf's Age' and catch up on all 1476 news and tour dates, visit either the band's website or Myspace Page.