ON AN ON: “The Hunter”

Hey you. Yes, you. Hold on a sec. Yes, I know that you’re scrolling through this page clicking whatever catches your fancy and listening to about thirty second snatches of songs. I know how Internet attention spans work. But stop for a sec. Press play, but stop everything else. Sit back and close your eyes. Listen to this song. Listen to the whole thing. Enjoy. Be careful though, because this song might just swallow you whole.

All I can say is that with their second single “The Hunter,” ON AN ON has done something especially right. By making use of amplified synth and the most powerful of all percussive genius, the group has managed to create what has the potential to be one of the anthems of our musical generation. And all of this from a group riding on the edge of their debut album.

Though there is no doubt the wailing lyrics are powerful (“there’s no use in hiding when I’ve made my decision / I’ll get what I came for ’cause that’s all you can give”), the appeal of “The Hunter” has far more to do with the assaulting nature of the vocals in contention with the percussion and base. The two aspects, which seem to be in as much competition as they are collaboration, tends to take hold so that you have no choice but to participate in the music — mentally or physically. It’s superb. The song effectively captures the melancholy frustration that beautifully partners with a desperate need to experience, to strive, to frantically live life. It’s a feeling that creeps over you as the song reaches its musical climax. It gives you the feeling you need to create something and destroy something at the same time.

Listen. Think about it. Okay, now go play it again.