Give In (2012–2013)

On An On was formed by Scattered Trees members Nate Eiesland, Alissa Ricci and Ryne Estwing in March 2012.^[3] The threesome discussed the idea of reforming Scattered Trees, but decided to go with the risk and excitement of forming a new band.^[1] The trio utilised a previously-booked three-week block of studio time to work on new material with producer Dave Newfeld in Toronto.^[2][4][5] The three were tired of the more traditional songwriting and recording methods they had used in Scattered Trees and followed their desire to use electronic elements and drum machines.^[4] Producer Newfeld focused on helping the band capture moments of spontaneity and emotion, rather than perfection.^[6] Nate Eiesland later revealed that his writing was a reaction to touring Scattered Trees' 2011 album Sympathy, during which he "left the stage every night on the verge of tears. The songs I wrote after that time were born from a new perspective I had on death, something stronger and less afraid".^[6] Themes present on the album are relationships, death, pain, ambivalence and apathy.^[5] The album's title, Give In, was summed up by Eiesland: "we wanted to capture on tape a moment of finding something new that works and in doing that, you have to give in to the process and be willing to put yourself out there".^[5]

The band signed recording and distribution deals with Roll Call Records (North America), City Slang (UK/Europe), Tugboat and P-Vine Records (Japan).^[2] In late August 2012, the band made their first song available for streaming, "Ghosts". After augmenting their lineup with a live touring drummer, they embarked on their first tour the following month, playing alongside Reptar and Rubblebucket.^[3][4] The band made "The Hunter" and "Ghosts" singles available for download in November and December respectively,^[7][8] before beginning their tour supporting the album in January 2013, supporting Geographer.^[9] Give In was released during the tour on 29 January.^[10] Music review aggregator Metacritic gives the album a score of 81, based on four reviews.^[11] The band embarked on their first European tour in February and would perform a second European tour and two further North American tours before wrapping their promotion for Give In in mid-November 2013. The band released the "Boy from School" / "Unison" cover single mid-tour on 20 August.^[12]

And the Wave Has Two Sides (2013–2016)

The band began writing their second album while touring Give In during 2013.^[5] Recording began with producer Joe Chiccarelli and engineer David Schwerkolt at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles in mid-September 2014 and wrapped three months later.^{[13][14][15][16]} On 6 January 2015, the band revealed the album would be titled And the Wave Has Two Sides.^[17] In late February, the first song from the album was made available for download, "Drifting".^[18] After adding an additional live guitarist to their touring lineup, the band embarked on their first tour supporting the album in late March 2015, alongside Big Data and Chappo.^[19] In late April, the album release date was revealed as 24 July 2015.^[20]

Hiatus (2016–present)

In June 2016, the band announced a final North American tour for July 2016 and its subsequent hiatus.^[21] In late August 2016, the band reassured fans that it had not broken up.^[22]

Studio albums

• Give In (28 January 2013, Roll Call Records/City Slang/Tugboat Records/P-Vine Records)
• And the Wave Has Two Sides (24 July 2015, Roll Call Records/City Slang/Tugboat Records/P-Vine Records)

Other releases

• "The Hunter" (Download, 14 November 2012, Roll Call Records/City Slang/Tugboat Records/P-Vine Records)
• "Ghosts" (Download, 4 December 2012, Roll Call Records/City Slang/Tugboat Records/P-Vine Records)
• "Boy from School" / "Unison" (7"/download, 20 August 2013, Roll Call Records/City Slang/Tugboat Records/P-Vine Records))
• "Drifting" (Download, 27 February 2015, Roll Call Records/City Slang/Tugboat Records/P-Vine Records)