Friday September 19, 2003

Make all the "MMMBop" jokes you want -- the fact remains that the Hanson brothers know their way around a memorable pop hook. Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson are now 22, 20 and 17, respectively, no longer the adolescent prodigies who debuted with the multimillion-selling 1997 album "Middle of Nowhere." Their lifelong immersion in music has blessed them with chops to spare. On their current small-venue tour, the brothers Hanson are performing acoustic sets, emphasizing the three-part harmonies at the core of their sound. In addition to old favorites, they are previewing material destined for their third studio album, "Underneath," slated for an early 2004 release. Following the lead of the Eagles and Pearl Jam, Hanson has parted ways with the major label that released its first two albums and plans to release "Underneath" independently.