Live Review: Hanson, Matt Wertz

When attending a Hanson concert, there are two ways to approach the night. One: to get on your high horse about artistic merit, or two: to enjoy the shit of out it because you were a child of the '90s and this speaks to your inner tweenie. This reviewer opted for the latter.

Nineties nostalgia seems to be the flavour of 2012, seeing Aqua and Vengaboys do the rounds of Australian sold out performances. However, Hanson trumps all – that their set stretched a 15-year career was a testament to that, with not just the long-haired heartthrobs of 1997's Middle Of Nowhere record, but quite decent musicianship on the whole.

Nashville-based Matt Wertz begins the evening, providing an entertaining acoustic pop set. His songs aren't revolutionary but they are catchy, the musician himself dually noting: “Are you picking up the simplicity of my lyrics?” He oozed confidence, spurred on by the incredibly appreciative audience who were growing more eager for their childhood obsessions.

It isn't long before Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson bounce on stage, to a deafening ovation from every female in attendance. Their energy is amazing, performing loud and infectious pop tunes without looking or sounding their age, now 31, 29 and 26 respectively. In particular, Taylor Hanson's voice seldom misses these souring top notes that his 12-year-old self could barely match; it's only during MMMBop that the lead backs out of the pre-teen-range chorus letting everyone else in the room complete it.

Taylor's musicality is the most advanced of the three, left with the solo duty of the last year's internet release Get Out Of My Heart on piano, although all get a go showcasing their ability. Isaac laid out a deep and rich cover of Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On, while Zac took lead vocals in a ripping rendition of The Beatles' Oh! Darling that had fans scratching their heads before erupting into cheers for the youngest brother.

They are just so happy and this radiated through their entire performance. The stage was bright like their personalities and to please the all-ages restriction, not a curse word was uttered. Even their stage banter verged on '90s cheese: love and waiting to see “that girl” again. Nonetheless, it was very well received.