Obviously, the boys have grown in an MMMBop. Famous for their first hit single of that name, American pop trio Hanson recently came to Seoul to promote their third album, "Underneath." This is their second visit to Korea after their first promotion tour for "Middle of Nowhere" in 1997.
In the meantime, little Zac has turned into a charming brat.

"Thank you for waiting for us for seven years," said Taylor Hanson, 20, the singer and keyboardist, during a news conference and mini-performance at the Millennium Seoul Hilton on Tuesday.

The release of their long-awaited third album was more than three years in the making. When the band reached a creative crossroads with its record label, the brothers suggested they part ways and started out on their own from scratch. "Underneath" is the first album Hanson has produced under their new record label, 3CG (Three Car Garage).

"We can't be happier for being in the position we are now. It's a lot more work, but we're happy that we've got absolute freedom and control, and now it's all about music," said Isaac Hanson, the 23-year-old guitarist.

The 13 new rock 'n' roll-based tracks show maturity in both melody and lyrics. "Deeper" features back vocals by Michelle Branch, a Hanson fan and dear friend. "Underneath" represents the raw energy of the band, the spirit the whole album revolves around. In "Penny and Me," they talk about life memories you build while listening to different music. "Crazy Beautiful" lights up Taylor's rough yet soft vocals with hip harmony and horn arrangements. "It's a cool collaboration of our inspiration with amazing artists contributes. Definitely, it's a step forward," said Zac Hanson, the band's 18-year-old drummer.

Back in 1995, the three Hanson brothers released their first independent record, made in their garage in their hometown of Tulsa, Okla. Then in 1997 came the "Middle of Nowhere," which hit the Billboard charts with 8 million CDs sold worldwide, led by the international smash single "MmmBop." The song garnered three 1998 Grammy nominations for the band, including record of the year, best new artist and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals. "Middle of Nowhere" soared to No. 2 on the Billboard top 200 and carried with it two other top-10 singles.

What distinguishes them from other bubble-gum boy bands must be their integrity as musicians.

"What makes artists different from bands is that artists evolve, changing over the years. When your audiences are growing and changing, you have to let audiences discover new things through the same artists as the years go on," said Taylor.

Hanson returned to the United States after a concert last night at the Olympic Hall at the Olympic Stadium.

(serenapark@heraldm.com)


By Serena Park



2004.06.10