Hazel were never contenders. The band's high energy punk-pop lacked the feign sincerity required for grunge success. Inversely, despite the inclusion of Fred Nemo, the group's interpretive dancer and official fourth member, they lacked the self-deprecating irreverence found in groups like the Presidents of the United States and Green Day, who took over where grunge left off. They also had the bad fortune of being signed to Sub Pop at a time when the label went from a seal of quality to a sign of over-marketed clichés. Which is all unfortunate, because Hazel had all the makings of a fantastic indie band, with fuzzy chords, snappy drumming, and the terrific vocal pairing of Peter Krebs and Jody Bleyle. By their second and final album for Sub Pop (only the Airiana EP would follow on Candy Ass) the group seems as musically lost as they were professionally. There are still some pleasing moments, including the sweet ballad "Crowned," but the rest of the writing sounds retread from the excellent first album. With nothing but the boy-girl vocals to carry the record, it becomes a long haul, despite only being 35 minutes. ~ Joshua Glazer