Can it really be eight years since the Hanson kids brought out the nauseating MmmBop? Few records could have been derided and yet hummed by so many.

Well, those fresh-faced American brats are still around and have just released their third album. Gone are the teenage spots, replaced by hair gel and aftershave.

But although the look may have changed the sound, alas, remains the same - the same old pap packaged for the same old audience.

Hanson have obviously found a formula that works well for them and have built up a sizeable fan base. But Underneath fails to inspire and trundles on through 13 soulless tracks.

The die is cast with the opening Strong Enough to Break and before you know it, you are halfway through the album as track after track roll by. If it has a redeeming feature then Underneath offers the perfect package of background music - that unchallenging drivel that ebbs from the speakers while shopping for jeans.

One track merits a second listen, the acoustic Broken Angel, but the rest is so weak it is decidedly painful. And it is so hidden away towards the end of the album that many will have given up long before uncovering this little gem.

Give it a miss.

DL