Morphine Unveil Lost Album Cocoon

The surviving members of the alternative rock band Morphine have reunited to complete and release their first full-length album in over two decades, titled Cocoon. The album was started and abandoned in 1998, just a year before the untimely on-stage death of frontman Mark Sandman. Cocoon is set to be released on December 4 via Partisan Records.

Morphine's reunion effort comes nearly two decades after the band disbanded following Sandman's tragic passing in 1999. The eight-song album features a mix of piano, guitar, and multiple drummers, deviating from the band's previous minimalist rock sound. Paul Q. Kolderie and Sean Slade, the long-time production duo responsible for Morphine's 1998 sessions, worked with Sandman's partner, Sabine Hrechdakian, to assess the original tapes from that era.

Kolderie expressed astonishment at the quality of the tracks, stating that bringing them back from the "crypt" felt right. For the completion of the album, Kolderie provided new mixes, while band member Dana Colley recorded new saxophone parts for three songs. Unlike most of Morphine's discography, Cocoon incorporates a wider range of instrumentation, reflecting the diverse creative process that has brought the band back together.

Band member Jerome Deupree and his replacement Billy Conway helped fill the drums gap created by Sandman's absence. In press materials, Hrechdakian alluded to the album title, noting that Mark Sandman loved performing and traveling the world, but also cherished coming home to cocoon. The lyrics of Cocoon explore the hardships of being away from loved ones during the band's tours and the joy of returning to their home and studio.

The eight-track Cocoon has already generated excitement among fans and critics alike. Watch an archival video of the title track below, ahead of its official release on December 4.