Video: Morphine (Warning: May Cause Dependancy)
March 27th, 2008 - by aeshleman
Morphine is a band more people should listen to. Their sound is an entirely unique blend of gritty tuned-down riffs, dark melodies and killer saxophone. With only three members, Morphine has an energy that’s so peppy it could substitute for your morning coffee. Paradoxically, a cool, laid-back, loungey aspect gives them a subduing edge, much like…well, morphine.
Frontman Mark Sandman (vocals/bass) is a man of true musical vision. Believing that low notes carry a certain relaxing quality, he combined his deep vocals with a baritone sax and his electric bass to create this irresistible experiment.
Note that he’s strung his bass with only two strings–the lowest two; the only two he’s interested in. He’s also known to play using a glass slide, creating a sound unlike like any you’ve heard before.
Another interesting point about Morphine is that, for a few songs, Dana Colley plays two saxophones at once. The blasting harmonies of two deep-throated saxes sounds like a run-away semi careening wildly down a mountain. Watch out below.
Mark Sandman died of a hear-attack while performing on-stage in 1999 …talk about playing your heart out. Seriously though, what a tragedy it is to only be able to experience Morphine through the Internet. I truly envy any one who’s seen them live.
