Album: Toreador Of Love
Year: 1993
Genre: Indie / Power Pop
I recall learning
of Hazel through a glowing review in a magazine. I can’t remember what the reviewer
specifically said to make me go buy Toreador
Of Love without hearing a single note off of it, but I’m sure the fact that
the record was on Sub Pop helped persuade me toward the purchase. Whatever it was, I’m glad I took a chance
because this is power pop gem hidden inside a dirty, gritty exterior.
Hazel has a few traits on this record that make them a standout from the ocean of indie/alternative bands from the 90s that played endlessly on MTV and FM radio. First, they present a more aggressive drive than their peers; a lot more Pixies and a lot less Oasis. The loud-quiet-loud rules are in effect for much of this record. They’re not afraid to cause a raucous in all the right places while still maintaining their catchy, rough-around-the-edges melodic sensibility. Second, there’s an imperfect nature to this record that creates intensity, urgency and honesty. Jack Endino deserves gigantic kudos for not cleaning up Hazel’s playing and made sure their true sound hit tape. Third, the lyrics play out like a high school drama, but are insanely relatable and heartfelt. When filtered through Pete Krebs’s vocals and the unpolished nature of Jody Bleyle’s harmonies, a natural tension is created and makes the subject matter instantly memorable. Much like many of their Sub Pop brethren, Hazel were not virtuosos on their instruments, but used their talent to their fullest extent to write memorable, ardent songs that sound true to themselves.
Hazel came and went in what felt like flash. Their 4-year tenure produced 2 full length records and a slew of 7”s. To my dismay, I do not like their sophomore effort very much, which is just fine because it creates some extra room to listen to Toreador Of Love.
Listen to "She's Supersonic" here.
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