Berwanger is the solo project of Kansas-based singer/songwriter Josh Berwanger, former frontman for seminal indie rock outfit
the Anniversary. When
the Anniversary disbanded after only two albums in 2003,
Berwanger led a new group called
the Only Children that continued to expand on his melodic, classic rock-influenced style. By the early 2000s, that band had also run its course, leaving
Berwanger to contemplate a solo career. His first effort, Strange Stains, was released in 2013 and introduced a slightly mellower pop sound, drawing on themes of isolation and introspection with a jangly
Tom Petty flavor. Three years later, recast simply as
Berwanger, he delivered the tuneful
Exorcism Rock, a hard-driving set that featured a tight new backing band with big harmonies and hooks. ~ Timothy Monger