On May 9th, Island Records will release "This Time Around," the new album from the Tulsa trio that's already causing a stir. Co-produced by Hanson, the album contains trademark hooks though they've axed the bubblegum for gritty guitar, a byproduct of the band's overall evolution. Now 19, 18 and 15, ISAAC (guitar), TAYLOR (vocals/keyboard) and ZAC (drums) boast everything from new do's to new musical tastes, including "Sheryl Crow, the Counting Crows-all of the crows."

Contributing to their hearty new sonics, the album features guest artists DJ SWAMP (BECK), ROSE STONE, JOHN POPPER (BLUES TRAVELER) and fellow prodigy, guitarist JONNY LAND. Land lends a hand on three tracks including the rousing title track, "This Time Around." "We just felt that song best represented where the music was going, and the genre we want to be associated with," explains Taylor who now sports an earring.

The album kicks off with the funky tune, "You Never Know," and showcases Taylor's post-pubescent vocals, a change that has definitely cracked in favor of their new sound. Softer tunes are tinged with the stylings of CHRIS ROBINSON (THE BLACK CROWES) while rockin' tunes like "If Only" carry an almost AEROSMITH feel (Taylor, STEVEN TYLER, close enough!) The album features a few swooners as well, with moody tracks like "Love Song" and "In The City." "That song is basically about a wife or a girlfriend who's having an affair," says Taylor regarding the latter. "She keeps running off and you're left alone asking 'What's going on in the city?' Not exactly an experience we've had," he admits. A little wet behind the ears in years, these guys are veterans when it comes to their instruments and harmony. After all, the brothers have been jammin' for over ten years.

It all began in 1990, when their father's oil business took the family to South America. There, the boys binged on mail order tunes from the '50s and '60s, later crafting their own original tunes. "When everybody else was listening to MC HAMMER and VANILLA ICE, we were into BILL HALEY and CARL PERKINS," says Taylor. Back in the States, they made their first professional appearance in 1992 at a Tulsa music festival. Their uplifting and high-energy pop gained a dedicated following but would rub the reigning grunge movement the wrong way. Not quite the flavor of the month, the boys continued to perform out of a sheer love of playing. While waiting for a major label contract, Hanson would release two independent records, including the single "MMMBop." Based on its strength, they would eventually ink a deal with Mercury Records.

Through the dog-eat-dog world of making it big, being related has also played a part in their success -- they're not afraid to keep each other in line. It comes natural with siblings... but so does mischief. Rumor has it Taylor once poured glue over his older brother's head, resulting in a temporary "Kojak" look for Isaac. But the guys manage to shake a little stress with some of their favorite hobbies, which include soccer, rollerblading and skate boarding. They even intend to start their own Internet Service Provider. Working with the people who set up Bowienet for artist DAVID BOWIE, the band will allow fans to create their own sites at Hanson.net.

With a hefty new album and plans to rule the Internet, these guys may have escaped the deadly waters of one-hit-wonderdom after all. Not to mention, the bands look has gone from gee-wiz to GQ! "I used to be a scrawny and now I'm buff," Zac recently joked to Entertainment Weekly. Hmm. You'll have to check that one out for yourself! Hanson is scheduled to appear on "The David Letterman Show" on May 8th and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" May 9th! Check your local listings!