antiMusic.com: The Oxford Coma

The Oxford Coma - Morphine

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The Oxford Coma vocalist Billy Tegethoff describes their Morphine EP as "songs about grief, loss, death, and deeply personal experiences." There are moments, especially during "Tradition," where the act comes off a lot like Korn because these are instances where Tegethoff sings in a Jonathan Davis-like tortured way. Bassist James Williams also adds a bit of swing - for lack of a better term - into the mix of "Tradition," which is also an aural element that helps separate Korn from run-of-the-mill metal acts.

Bands like The Oxford Coma likely get lumped in with contemporary metal, simply because the guitar riffs are thick and loud, and the vocals are as much screamed as sung. However, if you listen to Morphine you'll hear that something much deeper is going on. This Phoenix, AZ act is utilizing music as therapy, just as much as entertainment and these songs offer catharsis for both the musicians and their audience. It may sound strange to say this, but Morphine offers unlikely medical help.

The Oxford Coma - Morphine
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