Morphine Fumes in Harvard Square
Vapors of Morphine is a band that pays homage to the iconic 90s “low rock” group Morphine while also incorporating new, ethereal sounds into their music. The band was formed by Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley, along with singer and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lyons and original Morphine drummer Jerome Deupree. They have since been joined by drummer Tom Arey, known for his work with J. Geils Band, Peter Wolfe’s Midnight Ramblers, and Ghosts of Jupiter. Their latest album, Fear & Fantasy on Schnitzel Records (UK), features both drummers and delves into the origins and evolution of Morphine’s signature sound.
The collaboration between Colley and Lyons began unexpectedly, sparked by a chance encounter between Colley and a street singer in New Orleans. After witnessing a busking blues band, Colley took a Polaroid photo and left it in the guitar case as a memento. Years later, Lyons and Colley crossed paths through mutual friends and discovered the photo from New Orleans pasted in Dana’s tour journal. This serendipitous meeting laid the foundation for their creative partnership, leading to the formation of Vapors of Morphine.
Vapors of Morphine not only pays tribute to Morphine’s frontman Mark Sandman’s legacy but also ventures into new musical territories. Sandman’s eclectic musical background, spanning various bands and genres, influences the sound of Vapors of Morphine. Lyons brings a Southern American flair to the group, infusing traditional songs with a swamp-tinged twist. Colley’s innovative use of processed saxophone pushes the boundaries of low rock, creating a sonic landscape that blurs the distinction between wind and electric instruments. Additionally, the band’s incorporation of African guitar music reflects the diverse cultural influences found in Central Square, Cambridge, where a corner is dedicated to Mark Sandman.
Their 2015 release, A New Low, showcased the band’s diverse musical influences and innovative approach to songwriting. The group’s most recent album, Fear & Fantasy, marks a new chapter for Vapors of Morphine. The album features a blend of new songs and familiar sounds, highlighted by Colley’s electric “low sax” and the distinctive slide bass that characterizes Morphine’s music. With Arey and Deupree’s collaborative drumming, the album captures the essence of Morphine’s final record, The Night, while also introducing fresh elements to the band’s sound.
Contrary to popular belief, the name Morphine was inspired by the ancient Greek dream deity Morpheus, not the drug. However, Vapors of Morphine captures the essence of a dreamlike experience through their music, offering listeners a transcendent journey without any lingering effects. The band’s distinctive sound and evocative storytelling make them a captivating musical experience that leaves audiences yearning for more.