Morphine Releases New Song From Archival Recordings

Morphine has released "Cocoon," a new song derived from archival recordings made approximately a year before the death of frontman Mark Sandman. The track, which serves as the title song for the band's upcoming eight-track album, "Cocoon," features newly added baritone saxophone parts. These new parts were recorded by original Morphine member Dana Colley, who collaborated with drummer Billy Conway and producer Michael Macioce. The album "Cocoon" is now streaming, offering fans a posthumous collection of material from the influential alternative rock band.

"Cocoon" was originally recorded during sessions held in 1998, a year prior to Sandman's passing in July 1999. The archival tapes were later unearthed, providing the foundation for this new release. The process of completing the album involved carefully integrating Colley's contemporary baritone saxophone performances with the original recordings. This approach aimed to honor the band's distinctive sound while presenting the material in a fresh, albeit posthumous, context. The collaboration between Colley, Conway, and Macioce was crucial in bringing these forgotten recordings to fruition. Macioce, who also worked with Morphine on their final studio album, "Good," played a significant role in the production and curation of the "Cocoon" material.

Morphine, known for its unique "low-rock" sound characterized by a two-string slide bass, baritone saxophone, and drums, gained a significant following in the 1990s. The band's distinctive instrumentation and Sandman's poetic lyrics created a soundscape that resonated with a dedicated fanbase. The release of "Cocoon" offers a glimpse into the band's creative output during a period leading up to Sandman's untimely death. The album's title track, "Cocoon," is now available for listeners to experience, with the full eight-track album expected to follow. This release marks a significant event for fans of Morphine, providing new material from a band that left a lasting impact on alternative music. The project underscores the enduring legacy of Mark Sandman and the band's unique musical identity, allowing his voice and their collective sound to be heard once more through these carefully reconstructed recordings.