It felt like the '90s all over again this past Saturday, with Hanson bopping into Buffalo's Club Infinity to perform songs from their most recent effort, The Walk.
The line extended out the door. Blankets were cast aside and left behind by devoted fans that had camped out since the morning for tickets and the best seat in the house.
Promptly at 8 p.m. Buffalo natives and opening act Standard of Living played a 30-minute set to warm the club's attendees. Afterward, the crowd impatiently began to chant, "Hanson! Hanson!"
Chants went unanswered as an hour passed uneventfully, but the once-adolescent Hanson boys finally took the stage at 9:30 p.m.
Hanson went straight into the tunes without so much as a hello to their fans. But the fans didn't seem to care as and paid close attention to "Great Divide," the first song of The Walk.
During their second song, "Been There Before," Taylor said, "You guys seem like an audience who likes to sing along."
Fans cheered and joined the band in chanting the lyrics of the new and improved Hanson. Taylor then said, "We're just getting started, but I think you guys should join us."
The crowd then sang along much louder - screaming, in fact, over the voices of the group. Whether it was bad soundboard mixing by the club or the Hanson boys simply mumbling their lyrics, the audience was, in fact, louder than the trio. Fans, however, didn't appear to care.
They played each song on their new album, and while the boys have matured and found a much more rock-oriented sound, it's undeniable that their songs still sound very "teeny-bopper-esque," which is expected. The band did eventually return to their roots with "Mmm Bop," reminding all of that brutally guilty pleasure from years past.
Isaac, the oldest Hanson brother at XX year old, plays the guitar. Taylor, XX, plays the piano, and Zach, the youngest at XX, still sits behind a large drum set. All three brothers share the vocals on every song.
Their '90s hit "MMMBop" may be what they are most remembered for, but they are now on their fourth album, continually trying to show the world a different side, shining a new light on those loveable, pop-happy boys from next door.
The Walk was released in Summer 2007, showcasing more of an indie feel, replacing synthesized pop.
Before every show on The Walk Tour, the band walks one mile around the venue. The purpose is to get to know their fans before the show starts.
An excited student from Buffalo State College said, "It's so awesome that walk thing. It really is so nice of them to do."
The Walk Tour started on Sept. 10 in Nashville, TN and will be continuing into 2008.
Those who haven't heard the latest Hanson should not be afraid to check them out. As they illustrated at Infinity, while the band still has the same sound, it's older, more mature and just as satisfying.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
