Midwestern trio ON AN ON are a young band. But they’ve been plenty prolific since their inception in mid-2012, releasing two killer singles and a debut album (Give In) as well as touring their tails off. Their sound is a slew of synths and massive live drums — and if we’re going to name names, think a guitar-heavy Passion Pit. This Wednesday night, ON AN ON will return to Madison (at The Frequency if we’re getting specific) as part of Communion Madison. Here are four essential tracks to get you prepped for their set. But really, their list of top-notch jams goes on an on.
Tennis, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats,
Savoir Adore, ON AN ON,
Building on Buildings, Brandon Beebe
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
The Frequency
8 PM; $12/$15
“Ghosts”
“Ghosts” is an instant-classic-indie-anthem cut straight outta 2006. It definitely would have thrived during a tear-jerking moment on Scrubs, thanks in large part to its heart-tugging chord progressions, girl-guy vocals, and constant, epic build. Apparently it was on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, but that’s just not the same.
“The Hunter”
The upbeat “The Hunter” stands out on the semi-melancholic Give In like a deer in headlights. It’s a clustered, colossal track dipped in autotone that demands you and your soon-to-be-blown-out speakers’ attentions.
“All the Horses”
“All the Horses” is one of the more stripped back tracks on Give In, but it’s still brimming with fuzzy layers of acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies. The best part of this song, though? The harmonica drone during the second-half build.
“Boy From School”
Covering a pretty recent and pretty boss track is a ballsy move for a new band, but ON AN ON more than pull it off. And while they do remain pretty faithful to the Hot Chip original, the addition of some wicked synth tones and (again) the live drums makes ON AN ON’s version well worth a listen.