Hanson @ The Palais Theatre, Melbourne (09/08/2014)
When three cleancut, long-haired adolescent brothers from Tulsa, Oklahoma released extraordinarily addictive pop song MMMBop back in 1997, who could have guessed just how far their rollerblades would take them?
An all-blonde, falsetto-crooning trio of teen heartthrobs, Hanson were always a soft target for criticism (haters gon'a hate, though, amiright?). Criticise or not, no one has ever credibly denied the kids have raw talent in spades. Nonetheless, did anyone ever expect them to stay rock steady for so long, and to have a career as long and frankly, as prolific as the one they are enjoying? Indeed, it's a career that doesn't look set to end anytime soon. |
The wonderful thing about Hanson is they really are as wholesome as they appear, once model sons, now husbands and fathers. Perhaps it is grounded family values that bind them together, riding the fickle rollercoaster of extraordinary fame, commerical success and record company mergers, all the while balancing a healthy commitment to personal lives and “normal” relationships.
They don't bend to record companies red tape and restrictions anymore, as they earned uninhibited creative freedom through independence, starting their own label 3CG. Blonde and pretty they might be, but badarse they are too, when the going gets tough.
Experiencing this 3-headed Goliath live, it becomes easier to see how Hanson got to where they are today. It genuinely seems as if they love each other like only brothers can, while simultaneously respecting each other in a way that allows their individual strengths to shine.
For all intents and purposes, Isaac, Taylor and Zac bring their own musical ideas to the communal table without fear or favour, with honesty and integrity. In so doing, the brothers clearly share a creative business space in which the joint responsibility has not buckled under the weight of any rivalry, sibling or otherwise. They are a team.
Where's The Love, off four times platinum Middle Of Nowhere (1997), made The Palais go round and round and yes, round again. The crowd energy was turned up early in the set, and that's how Hanson intended it to stay.
We were allowed downtime, a quiet moment of sorts, during a stripped back interval in which the brothers took turns of serenading us with ballads. Eldest brother Isaac wooed his adoring fans with River off 3 Car Garage (1997), and a moment of banter Oprah could be proud of. In reflective tone, Isaac engaged his audience with what we all know to be true – “songs speak to you and sometimes express something you couldn't have otherwise".
It was at this point he took lead of the crowd and instructed us to please sing along. Hanson's philosophy goes something like this: seeing as you have all paid money to enjoy live music and have a good night, you might as well makes yourselves useful and participate. A proactively involving approach to gigging which has almost every bum out of its chair, all hands in the air, joyously clapping and singing (however badly) in chorus.
It's in this way that Hanson drag the audience along for the journey. And if they don't come willingly, they will be coerced. In the best possible way, of course!
Taylor's older brother vacated the stage so his own "smooth stylings" could claim the spotlight once more – these were big brother's words. If Taylor felt any pressure from the hype, he only shone under it. He has the voice of an angel, with heart and soul on show in every lyrical nook.
All brothers reunited and brought us back from the gut-wrenching precipice we were now teetering on with the likes of the riotous and more than cheekily suggestive Give A Little, off most recent release Anthem. Yes, the Tulsa boys are men now and they like to get down like that – just like the rest of us.
They eventually take us all the way back – now approaching 20 years – to where the mad rollercoaster begun. MMMBop didn't disappoint and raised the roof of the St Kilda theatre.
Notably off the setlist was hit single from those heady early days I Will Come To You. A rousing singalong rendition of With You In Your Dreams more than made up for this minor ommission.
What's become of those luscious locks? They've been chopped a litte shorter, but still fall as effortlessly perfect as ever. They are flawlessly in tune with one another when singing silky harmonies and each of them plays a unique role in the outfit. Again, Hanson's authenticity is what's helped them stand tall when imposter groups around them have risen and fallen like passing fads.
Zac is the painfully cool youngest brother, who seems never to sweat or raise in temperature. He's got the moves and swagger that only a drummer can have.
Taylor's presence commands attention. There's nothing diva about him, he is boss onstage. While they all have a leading part to play, it is always the frontman who has to answer for the crowds involvement. And Taylor won't leave until he knows every body is satisfied... so to speak.
Isaac is the classic eldest – wise, calm, patient and a natural leader. (The fact this writer is an eldest child is neither here nor there, clearly).
Looking at Hanson's career trajectory, one thing stands out: the brothers have done everything they can to carry their loyal fanbase on their journey. From releasing recorded material exclusive to Fan Club members to inviting them to participate in video clips, Hanson fans have not only followed their musical heroes from afar, but walked alongside them. (Indeed, all three brothers took it so far as to marry fans!) Hanson are inclusive, feel-good, unpretentious and genuine in their process. Every single soul at The Palais on Saturday joined in a therapeutic group singalong and exercised their throat, chest and legs until they stumbled out a little spent, but ultimately inspired, energised and stupidly happy.
Hanson have always kept their shared eye sharply trained on the game of making music that inspires them and their fans. It sounds easy enough, sure, but this unwavering focus is a rarity in any band, nevermind family bands. And it makes a Hanson concert a truly special experience.
Rebecca McCann
They don't bend to record companies red tape and restrictions anymore, as they earned uninhibited creative freedom through independence, starting their own label 3CG. Blonde and pretty they might be, but badarse they are too, when the going gets tough.
Experiencing this 3-headed Goliath live, it becomes easier to see how Hanson got to where they are today. It genuinely seems as if they love each other like only brothers can, while simultaneously respecting each other in a way that allows their individual strengths to shine.
For all intents and purposes, Isaac, Taylor and Zac bring their own musical ideas to the communal table without fear or favour, with honesty and integrity. In so doing, the brothers clearly share a creative business space in which the joint responsibility has not buckled under the weight of any rivalry, sibling or otherwise. They are a team.
Where's The Love, off four times platinum Middle Of Nowhere (1997), made The Palais go round and round and yes, round again. The crowd energy was turned up early in the set, and that's how Hanson intended it to stay.
We were allowed downtime, a quiet moment of sorts, during a stripped back interval in which the brothers took turns of serenading us with ballads. Eldest brother Isaac wooed his adoring fans with River off 3 Car Garage (1997), and a moment of banter Oprah could be proud of. In reflective tone, Isaac engaged his audience with what we all know to be true – “songs speak to you and sometimes express something you couldn't have otherwise".
It was at this point he took lead of the crowd and instructed us to please sing along. Hanson's philosophy goes something like this: seeing as you have all paid money to enjoy live music and have a good night, you might as well makes yourselves useful and participate. A proactively involving approach to gigging which has almost every bum out of its chair, all hands in the air, joyously clapping and singing (however badly) in chorus.
It's in this way that Hanson drag the audience along for the journey. And if they don't come willingly, they will be coerced. In the best possible way, of course!
Taylor's older brother vacated the stage so his own "smooth stylings" could claim the spotlight once more – these were big brother's words. If Taylor felt any pressure from the hype, he only shone under it. He has the voice of an angel, with heart and soul on show in every lyrical nook.
All brothers reunited and brought us back from the gut-wrenching precipice we were now teetering on with the likes of the riotous and more than cheekily suggestive Give A Little, off most recent release Anthem. Yes, the Tulsa boys are men now and they like to get down like that – just like the rest of us.
They eventually take us all the way back – now approaching 20 years – to where the mad rollercoaster begun. MMMBop didn't disappoint and raised the roof of the St Kilda theatre.
Notably off the setlist was hit single from those heady early days I Will Come To You. A rousing singalong rendition of With You In Your Dreams more than made up for this minor ommission.
What's become of those luscious locks? They've been chopped a litte shorter, but still fall as effortlessly perfect as ever. They are flawlessly in tune with one another when singing silky harmonies and each of them plays a unique role in the outfit. Again, Hanson's authenticity is what's helped them stand tall when imposter groups around them have risen and fallen like passing fads.
Zac is the painfully cool youngest brother, who seems never to sweat or raise in temperature. He's got the moves and swagger that only a drummer can have.
Taylor's presence commands attention. There's nothing diva about him, he is boss onstage. While they all have a leading part to play, it is always the frontman who has to answer for the crowds involvement. And Taylor won't leave until he knows every body is satisfied... so to speak.
Isaac is the classic eldest – wise, calm, patient and a natural leader. (The fact this writer is an eldest child is neither here nor there, clearly).
Looking at Hanson's career trajectory, one thing stands out: the brothers have done everything they can to carry their loyal fanbase on their journey. From releasing recorded material exclusive to Fan Club members to inviting them to participate in video clips, Hanson fans have not only followed their musical heroes from afar, but walked alongside them. (Indeed, all three brothers took it so far as to marry fans!) Hanson are inclusive, feel-good, unpretentious and genuine in their process. Every single soul at The Palais on Saturday joined in a therapeutic group singalong and exercised their throat, chest and legs until they stumbled out a little spent, but ultimately inspired, energised and stupidly happy.
Hanson have always kept their shared eye sharply trained on the game of making music that inspires them and their fans. It sounds easy enough, sure, but this unwavering focus is a rarity in any band, nevermind family bands. And it makes a Hanson concert a truly special experience.
Rebecca McCann