The On and Ons Invite You to “Come On In”

Australia has spawned a number of bands whose music deftly combines rock and pop, such as The Easybeats, Crowded House, and Hoodoo Gurus. The latest group to join this illustrious company is The On and Ons, whose phenomenal album, Come On In, is out on JEM Records. The band’s music is steeped in the much-beloved sounds of classic, guitar-based rock and roll, but it’s also infused with elements of garage rock, power pop, and modern rock.

Come On In is bursting at the seams with marvelous tunes like the groovy, keyboard-laced “Let Ya Hair Down” and the melodic “Been There.” These songs have a definite 1960s vibe, and if you’re a fan of The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Raspberries, you’ll definitely dig the old-school aura of songs like “She’s Leaving” and “Games People Play.” There are also some sharper-edged selections like “All Over Heavenly (You’re My Everything)” and “To Die For” which recall the alternative sound of bands like The Smithereens.

The talented lineup of The On and Ons consists of Glenn Morris on lead guitar and vocals, his brother Brian Morris on drums and vocals, their brother-in-law Dennis Wilson on guitar, and Clyde Bramley on bass. It’s evident from the crackling energy, spot-on harmonies, and cool grooves of songs like “Roller Coaster” and “Back for More” that the band loves playing together, and Glenn is definitely a master at composing hook-laden numbers like “(Scare Me) Outta My Mind” and “Run To Tomorrow.”

You can draw a straight line from Aussie rock pioneers The Easybeats, who tore it up with tracks like “Sorry” to The On and Ons and songs such as “Been There.” Come On In is a perfect introduction to The On and Ons, who’ve been tearing it up in their native Australia for quite a while now. Thanks to the folks at JEM Records, we’ll soon be able to enjoy amazing songs like “Long Ride” when the album is released on January 17.

-John Visconti

Fair use image from Come On In