Hazel (band)

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Hazel was an United States indie rock band based in Portland, Oregon. The group was a quartet, consisting of Jody Bleyle (drums and vocals), Pete Krebs (guitar and vocals), Brady Smith (bass), and Fred Nemo (dance).

The group was formed on Valentine's Day of 1992. Although based in the Pacific Northwest and active during the grunge movement in rock music, Hazel's music was different from most grunge in that it featured both male and female vocals as well as a more melodic sound that could be fairly accurately described as power pop. Hazel's music was not particularly intricate musically, relying on a few chords, sheer energy (many songs being played at breakneck speed), and vocal intensity. Interestingly, rather than singing together in harmony, Krebs and Bleyle often sang completely different parts that answered or intertwined with one another. The majority of lyrics dealt with problems regarding relationships, including the regret and resentment following a breakup ("Everybody's Best Friend") or the anxiety felt while attempting to begin a relationship ("Day Glo").

The group was also notable for featuring the dancer Fred Nemo as a full member. Often dressed in fanciful costumes, Nemo, a tall, bearded man, cavorted crazily about the stage, climbing atop speaker cabinets and swinging heavy objects through the air. His seeming lack of regard for his own safety (or that of the audience) gave Hazel's performances a somewhat dangerous feel.

The group released two full-length albums, Toreador of Love and Are You Going To Eat That on the Sub Pop label. Intermittently plagued by personality conflicts, Hazel formally broke up on February 13, 1997, following their last show in their hometown of Portland, Oregon, though they generally have played a couple of shows a year since then.

As of 2005, Nemo performs with Tara Jane O'Neil and works as a bicycle activist in Portland. Krebs, also living in Portland, teaches guitar and performs with a wide assortment of ensembles. Bleyle, now based in Los Angeles, continues to perform around the United States, including reunion shows with girl punk legends Team Dresch, a duo with her brother Allen called Family Outing, touring with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, and singing jazz standards in L.A. dives. Smith is the principal of an innovative charter school in The Bronx, New York.