The members of Chaz & The Dazzlers hold onto their own childlike whimsy and lightness as they tackle all the ups and downs of parenting on the group’s new album, “Upside Down.” Fr
om tricycles to temper tantrums, it’s reminiscent of The Happy Fits at its most fun and Band of Horses at its most contemplative.
The project, released in early May, takes its first steps with “Roll,” one of many tracks to feature multi-instrumentalist Nick Lord’s sparkling saxophone and mandolin contributions. The sax adds a depth to an already-sticky chorus, and when vocalist Chaz Hearne declares, “I want to roll everywhere with you,” listeners decide whether that means in a stroller, down the side of a hill or something else entirely.
Never too serious, the album straddles the gap between adulthood and childhood, incorporating jazzy sax solos into easygoing, simple melodies. A particular standout is the picture book-esque “Garlic Girl,” a lighthearted track about a vegetable vendor that’s equal parts indie rock and nursery rhyme.
Like the transition from childhood to adulthood, the album isn’t all carefree — the gentle sway of surf-rock track “Canopus” ends with a sudden blare that segues into “Alarm,” the band’s contemplation of the world we’re passing on to the next generation. While urging the kids into the streets to “hold your pissed off signs,” the song ends with the wistful acknowledgement that what the kids want “could be such beautiful change, if we would let it.”
Across these 10 tracks, Chaz & The Dazzlers’ creative approach to childhood makes for a dazzling listen indeed.
Liz Hogrefe is a contributor to CITY.
This article appears in Dec 1-31, 2024.
