The On and Ons (Australia) write Classic power pop with a capital C, which is no surprise given their past in bands like Hoodoo Gurus, Screaming Tribesmen, and Paul Collins Beat. Luminary is their new LP, following Let Ya Hair Down! (2023) and Back For More (2021), plus a 2024 7″ on Rogue Records that all made the Wantlist. Give these guys a year or two and they’ll deliver another batch of tight, two-to-three-minute power pop nuggets.

On Luminary, the hooks are as sharp as ever, the melodies as sweet as that unhealthy soda you meant to quit ages ago. My own bias leans toward late ’70s and early ’80s punky power pop over the more polished, ’60s-leaning sound The On and Ons favor, but there’s no arguing with songwriting this strong. Trying to resist songs like Constance, Speck of Smiling Faces, and My Ol’ Ways? I’ve stopped trying.

Luminary is out now on Jem Records.

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