Expect surprises when Hanson comes to The Showbox

Friday, September 5, 2003

By JOAN ANDERMAN
THE BOSTON GLOBE

They came. They sang. They conquered. And then Hanson -- three photogenic teenagers from Tulsa, Okla., who harmonized their way into the hearts of America with a giddy tune called "MMMBop" -- disappeared.

After their debut album, 1997's "Middle of Nowhere," went many times platinum, the brothers Hanson released a follow-up that virtually ignored the teen-pop craze they had ignited. "This Time Around" -- a mature, well-crafted, decidedly unbubbly collection -- was warmly received by critics in 2000 and promptly fizzled with the fans.

So Taylor, Isaac and Zac did what any red-blooded Oklahoman would do: They went back home. Taylor got married. Zac got his license. They reimmersed themselves in their mother's Time-Life compilation of '50s music. They wrote some more songs.

And over three years -- with countless producers and co-writers hired and then fired before the brothers realized they really wanted to do it themselves -- Hanson made another album. "Underneath" was written and largely produced by the trio, now 17, 20 and 22.

They're performing songs from the new album as part of an acoustic club tour designed to introduce the new Hanson to old fans, win converts, and perhaps turn the ear of the music industry. As part of the tour, the trio performs Wednesday at The Showbox.

The band parted ways with Island Def Jam in April, and Hanson is self-releasing an acoustic EP of "Underneath," available at www.hanson.net and at the shows. They are in talks with several major labels and distributors interested in releasing the full-length CD, expected in early 2004.

"Everything about who we are and our mission has been refined," says Taylor. " 'Underneath' is a pop-rock record with hooks and guitars, but in the end we really wanted it to have a lot of open space to it."

"Travis and Coldplay were big inspirations," adds Isaac. "The reason we wanted to do this acoustic tour is this music really lends itself to that medium. I think fans will be surprised, but I also think there are plenty of familiar elements."

The first single, "Penny and Me," is a sunny singalong -- more singer-songwriter than either Brit-pop or teen dream -- accompanied only by acoustic guitars and percussion.

Hanson's work at this point revolves around opening people's minds. The band is so closely identified with the infectious Top 40 hooks of its first record that a full-scale re-education of the music-listening public is called for.

"Inevitably, every artist is put into a box," says Taylor. "Part of making art is changing, though."

"I see 'Middle of Nowhere' as the platform from which we propelled ourselves," says Isaac. "It had a massive impact, but we've matured over time. The new music is a natural extension."

"Besides, you can't control what people say," Taylor explains. "Our job is to put out music we feel great about."