{image1} On A Sun got its start in a way that would make even the most schmaltz-loving made-for-TV-movie writer cringe -- almost.
Less than a month after coming together in 2001, the Milwaukee born and raised McWilliam brothers -- John (vocals and guitar), Thomas (bass and vocals) and Michael (drums) -- were participating in a local battle of the bands competition under their original name, Sam Hill.
They didn't win, keeping the band from scoring the perfect Hollywood ending. Instead, they earned second place and kick-started a career that would find the band, accurately self-described by John as a cross between "Radiohead, Soundgarden and Jane's Addiction," receiving favorable attention at home, in Chicago and in much of the Midwest.
The rock trio begins the next chapter in its story with the March 15 release of its first full-length album, "Watershed." They begin supporting the album with a 10 p.m. concert Friday at Marquette's Union Sports Annex, 16th and Wells Streets. The night also features performances from punk-rooted outfits The Girls and Automatic Gool.
"Watershed" finds On A Sun showcasing the varied talents that have helped them earn slots at Summerfest the last three years and a reputation as a must-see live act. They slide from melodic guitar-driven grunge ("Forgive," "Unraveling") to mellower, acoustic and harmony-based tunes ("You Did The Same," "Canyons") made cohesive by lead singer and guitarist John's captivating vocal turns.
He says he hopes both new and longtime fans listening to "Watershed" will be able to sense the same energy the band pours into its live show. John says On A Sun was able to avoid going into the studio and coming out with a product that sounded too polished for its own good -- a trap many bands fall into.
"I think we were able to escape that with this album," says John. "It still incorporates modern technology while having this classic, hopefully not archaic, old-school rock texture that hopefully can be appreciated. I hope people find it to be unique, as something that they don't have yet in their collections."
The 30-something McWilliam brothers recorded the album with the guidance of producer Joe Puerta at his recently opened studio, The Exchange, 3710 W. National Ave. John says he intends for the album, mixed at Madison's world-renowned Smart Studios by Mike Zirkel (Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage), to showcase the band's ferocity while keeping the music accessible.
Following a show in Madison, On A Sun returns to the Milwaukee area with shows at Vnuk's in Cudahy on Friday, Feb. 11, and Bradford Beach Club, 2022 E. North Ave., on Saturday, Feb. 12.
John says the band plans to follow those dates with a national tour, and the brothers believe the album has a genuine shot of catapulting their real-life success story even further.
"We all take it seriously in that we want to keep going with it," he says. "Now that we're out of the studio we feel like we've got the wings to fly."
The cover for On A Sun's concert with The Girls and Automatic Gool at the Union Sports Annex, 16th and Wells Streets, is $5. Students with a Marquette ID pay $3.
