Berwanger, “Exorcism Rock”
Available: Friday, Nov. 4 via Doghouse Records as a compact disc, on standard black vinyl and numerous limited-edition vinyl LP formats, including multiple color splatters and “color in color” versions.
Lawrence, Kansas-based band Berwanger is set to release the latest album from the late ’90s, early oughts indie/emo rocker and former Anniversary front-person, Josh Berwanger. It has been two years since the last proper full-length from the indie veteran, but two years spent rather decidedly and deliberately. The actual recording of “Exorcism Rock” concluded in mid-December 2014, though Berwanger and co. wanted the record to be released on their terms and time frame. Rather than just releasing it and moving on, it was important that the record came out on the right label and with the right sort of enthusiasm from that end. After a shopping list dwindled from 20 or so labels, Berwanger decided on Doghouse Records, which has released albums from Limbeck, The All-American Rejects, The Get Up Kids and Matt Pond, amongst others.
Doghouse ended up being the perfect home for “Exorcism Rock,” a record full of indie pop-punk hooks and sing a long anthems that fans of Berwanger have become accustomed to. The title track off “Exorcism” hearkens to some of the best Anniversary material, in sound and structure, with little let up after. The record careens in and out seamlessly of varying styles including garage punk, power pop, and indie rock.
Recommended for fans of The Anniversary, Cursive, Spoon, The Get Up Kids or Superchunk
Jon E. Lynch[email protected]
