It’s hard to single out the most impressive quality about Hanson.
Brothers Isaac, Taylor and Zac have been an intact musical unit for the better part of two decades. Their breakout single, “MMMBop,” still sounds as fizzy and fun as it did with its 1997 release.
And somehow they’ve managed to weather label changes and a public’s endlessly shifting musical tastes to emerge in 2010 with a new album, a healthy fan base and even some hard-won peer and industry respect.
The chirpy vocals of early days have matured a bit, of course, but “Shout It Out,” the new album released on their own 3CG label, shines with the energy of a new band and the song craft of seasoned vets. Keyboards and guitars alternately drive these power-pop songs, with horns stepping in regularly to add a funky punch, offering a musical reach that spans from a ‘70s AM radio vibe to Keane.
Fresh from Taylor’s stint last year in the power-pop supergroup Tinted Windows (with members of Cheap Trick, Fountains of Wayne and Smashing Pumpkins), the brothers Hanson are hitting the road to reach all those folks who happened not to be in the trio’s Tulsa hometown on May 6 for the 13th annual salute known as Hanson Day.
Hanson plays Richmond with pop rockers Rooney tonight at Hat Factory.