LIVE REVIEW : Hanson

You don’t often see a long-term successful outcome for child stars. Even ones that do survive seem to operate on some level of delusion (looking at you Bieber!)
Hanson, on the other hand, seem to be doing quite well for themselves, even though they are long past their days of mainstream commercial success.
The boy’s recent Aussie shows were a big triumph, 17 years on from their debut album ‘Middle Of Nowhere’.
Despite Taylor sounding a bit croaky, the band kept the crowd entertained for two hours, turning a crowd of 20-30 somethings into rabid teens once more.
The boys showcased tracks from their new album ‘Anthem’, though the best reactions came when they played their hits of the 1990s and early 2000s.
For instance, ‘Penny And Me’ and ‘Lost Without Each Other’, both from their first independent LP ‘Underneath’ in 2005, were clear fan favourites. The new tracks were very soul/pop-rock with gospel and country influences.
Amongst them, the unexpected highlight for us was eldest brother Isaac’s solo. His performance of ‘For Your Love’ was absolutely fantastic. His vocals were top notch and the applause he got blew Taylor’s subsequent solo out of the water.
Although Hanson are generally considered to be a nostalgic act, many members of the audience had been to multiple shows and even knew the words to various album tracks.
Of course, the main hysteria was saved for ‘Where’s The Love’ and ‘MMMBop’, dance moves included.
Both were notched down a key, due to the boys no longer be teenagers and all, but that didn’t stop half the audience from recording the performances on their iPhones.
They even went crazy for ‘Middle Of Nowhere’ album tracks ‘Madeline’ and ‘A Minute Without You’.
Our personal favourite group performance had to be ‘If Only’ though. People do not give that track enough credit! The crowd seemed particular energetic for the top ten hit, jumping around excitedly.
At times the harmonies were a bit screechy but there was something really sweet about the whole thing.
Let’s face facts… the Hanson fandom is usually dormant, but for one night a bunch of closet Hanson lovers got to join together to sing the songs that had on repeat in their bedrooms as youngsters. The Jonas Brothers should expect a similar response in ten years.
The show ended with a reminder from the boys that they would come back if the demand was there, and by the reaction they received, that’s looking like a sure thing.

 Australia's first stop for pop!