Berwanger, a Kansas City rock band led by Josh Berwanger (a founding member of the recently reunited Lawrence-based emo-rock band The Anniversary), celebrates the release of its new album Exorcism Rock this week.
3 reasons we're listening to Berwanger this week:
1. According to a press release, Exorcism Rock "was recorded in seven straight days of early mornings and late nights" and was "inspired by nightly viewings of ‘Apocalypse Now’ and fueled by red wine mixed with tequila."
2. The result is a power-pop throwback to the best work of Cheap Trick and Tom Petty. "I Want You Bad" is among the brisk songs reflecting the influence of both seminal artists.
3. Berwanger is releasing Exorcism Rock on CD and four different types of colored vinyl, including a design labeled “hot pink splatter.” The band will perform in New York City on the album’s official street date of November 4, but new merchandise will be available for purchase at Friday’s show in Kansas City.
Berwanger performs at RecordBar on Friday, October 28, on a double bill that includes Freight Train Rabbit Killer, a Kansas City-based costumed duo that will release a self-titled comic book on Friday.
Bill Brownlee’s writing appears weekly in The Kansas City Star and Ink magazine. He blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.
