Hazel (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992-02-14 |
| Defunct | 1997-02-13 |
| Headquarters | Portland, Oregon , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Hazel was an alternative rock group originating from Portland, Oregon, United States. The four-piece ensemble consisted of Jody Bleyle (vocals and drums), Pete Krebs (vocals and guitar), Brady Smith (bass guitar), and Fred Nemo (performance dancer). Their period of activity spanned from 1992 until 1997.
Origins and musical approach
Established on February 14, 1992, Hazel came into prominence amid the grunge movement yet set themselves apart by delivering a melodic sound characterized by the interplay of male and female vocals, leaning towards noise pop. Their compositions featured straightforward chord progressions, vigorous rhythms, and vocal exchanges between Krebs and Bleyle, who frequently performed contrasting vocal lines. The lyrical content often explored themes related to romantic relationships, including remorse after breakups ("Everybody's Best Friend") and the apprehension surrounding dating ("Day-Glo").
A distinctive aspect of their live performances was Fred Nemo’s role as a dancer, who appeared on stage adorned in elaborate costumes, contributing a theatrical dimension to their concerts.
Releases
Hazel’s debut single "J. Hell" backed with "Day-Glo" and "Joe Louis Punchout" was launched by Cavity Search Records, a local independent label in Portland founded in 1992. The band produced two studio albums, Toreador of Love and Are You Going to Eat That, both issued through the Sub Pop label. Their last recording was the five-track EP Airiana, released in 1997 via Candy-Ass/Caroline. Despite facing internal disagreements, Hazel formally dissolved on February 13, 1997, following their final show in Portland; however, they have reunited sporadically for select performances thereafter.
After disbandment
By 2005, Nemo had collaborated with Tara Jane O'Neil and became an advocate for cycling within Portland. Krebs remained active in Portland as a guitar instructor and performed with multiple groups. Bleyle relocated to Los Angeles, continuing her national touring schedule, which includes reunion events with punk outfit Team Dresch, performing as part of the duo Family Outing alongside her brother Allen, touring with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, as well as singing jazz standards locally. Smith took on leadership roles in education, founding Validus Preparatory Academy in The Bronx, New York, and serving as principal at Beacon High School in New York City from 2020 through 2023.
Band members
- Jody Bleyle – drums and vocals
- Pete Krebs – guitar and vocals
- Brady Smith – bass guitar
- Fred Nemo – dancer
Studio albums
- Toreador of Love (Sub Pop, 1993)
- Are You Going to Eat That (Sub Pop, 1995)
Additional albums
- Lucky Dog (Sub Pop, 1993) (Promotional release later commercially issued as Toreador of Love)
- Live in Portland (Voodoo Doughnut Recordings/Cavity Search Records, 2016) (Live recording from two concerts held in 1993)
Singles and EPs
- "Heida" b/w "Pop Uncle" (Candy-Ass Records, 1992)
- "J. Hell" b/w "Day-Glo"/"Joe Louis Punchout" (Cavity Search Records, 1992)
- "Day-Glo" b/w "Constipation" (Sub Pop, 1993) (Promotional single)
- "Jilted" b/w "Truly" (Sub Pop, 1993; also issued as a German 12" single featuring extra tracks)
- "Blank Florida" b/w "Motor Sport Daredevils" (Pacific Wonderland Records, 1994)
- "Wintogreen" b/w "King Twist" (Cavity Search Records, 1994)
- Airiana EP (Candy-Ass Records, 1997)
- "Romeo" b/w "Incendiary" (Candy-Ass Records, 1997) (Split single shared with Ovarian Trolley)
External links
- Hazel information on the Sub Pop website
- Article titled "The End of Hazel" by Clayton Hollifield
- monkeychicken (features a Hazel archive; curated by Fred Nemo)
- "Dayglo" music video from the album "Toreador of Love"