VAPORS OF MORPHINE

Some legacies are too powerful to fade. The music of pioneering '90s "Low Rock” trio Morphine,  was as hypnotic as it was groundbreaking. Fusing baritone saxophone, 2-string slide bass, and  drums into a sound that was sultry, raw, and entirely their own. But when frontman Mark Sandman died suddenly on stage in 1999, Morphine’s story seemed to end. 

Yet from those ashes, a new sound emerged. Vapors of Morphine isn’t just a tribute; it’s a  continuation, an evolution. Formed in the late 2000's by Morphine saxophonist Dana  Colley and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lyons, the band continued to evolve and their latest  album, 2021's Fear & Fantasy (Schnitzel Records, UK), represents a new era, blending fresh  material with the signature Morphine sound. 

The story of Vapors of Morphine is as serendipitous as it is poetic. Years before they met, Colley  unknowingly captured a photo of Lyons and his street band in New Orleans, pasting it into his  tour journal with a note about their evocative blues sound. A decade later, after Hurricane  Katrina forced Lyons to relocate to Boston, the two musicians were introduced, only to discover  they had matching halves of the same Polaroid, a moment of fate that sparked their  collaboration. 

Since then, Vapors of Morphine has grown beyond nostalgia, carving new sonic landscapes  while staying true to the moody, intoxicating essence of their predecessor. 

Their live performances are a hypnotic blend of Morphine originals, deep blues, African  rhythms, and psychedelic rock that pushes boundaries while honouring the experimental spirit  that Sandman championed. 

With Fear & Fantasy, Vapors of Morphine embraces both the past and the future. Featuring both  Deupree and Arey on drums, the album recalls Morphine’s final masterpiece, The Night, while  incorporating lush new textures, electric baritone sax, and haunting two-string slide bass. It’s  proof that while Morphine’s original chapter may have ended, the story is far from over. 

Contrary to common belief, Morphine wasn’t named for the drug but for Morpheus, the Greek  god of dreams. But Vapors of Morphine? Their music is the kind of intoxicating, transportive  experience that lingers long after the last note, no prescription required. 

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Joining Vapors Of Morphine on all shows (except Gumball Fest) is Melbourne based guitarist,  singer-songwriter, Jeb Cardwell. Jeb plays guitar as part of Kasey Chambers' band and as a solo  act has opened for legendary icons Steve Earle and Tony Joe White. 

Jeb’s ability to effortlessly blend laid-back vibes with raw authenticity, all while showcasing his  mastery of the guitar is the perfect pairing with VoM. An enthralling sonic experience full of  captivating and irresistibly catchy grooves. 

Jeb's 2022 debut solo album, My Friend Defiance, was described by Rhythms Magazine as “an  album that carries with it the poise and assuredness that comes from two decades of playing,  writing and singing with the best of them.”