Opium

About

Opium is the self-released debut studio album by British actor and musician Matt Berry. Originally released in 2005, the album is a concept record featuring spoken-word storytelling set against a backdrop of psychedelic rock, lo-fi pop, and experimental arrangement. It serves as an early blueprint for Berry's musical career, introducing themes and melodies that would later appear in his television work, most notably the theme for the dark comedy series Snuffbox. Background and Release The album was first released in limited quantities in 2005 on Berry's own label, Rillington Players (a reference to the film 10 Rillington Place). It remained obscure until Berry gained wider fame for his roles in The IT Crowd and Toast of London. Opium was reissued on vinyl for the first time in 2013 as part of the Kill the Wolf box set, featuring alternate artwork depicting an eyeball inside a poppy. A standalone reissue on CD and vinyl followed in 2015. However, the album has since been removed from digital streaming platform, reportedly due to Berry's desire to distance himself from the work, which he views as an early experiment rather than a polished entry in his discography. Concept and Themes Berry has described Opium as a semi-autobiographical "spoken word concept album about the horrors of the city." It explores the transition from rural life to the degradation of London, touching on themes of addiction, debauchery, isolation, and the fleeting nature of fame. Stylistically, the album channels the "actor albums" of the 1960s and 70, with Berry citing Peter Wyngarde as a primary influence over the more "ridiculous" works of William Shatner. The record shifts abruptly between genre, incorporating elements of Britpop, glam rock, and even a brief foray into reggae on the track "Jetsetter." Notable Tracks Intro: An overture that acts as a musical montage, teasing melodies from later tracks like "One More Hit" and "White Hood" in a style reminiscent of rock operas like Jesus Christ Superstar. Reach for the Ground: Written by Berry when he was just 17, this track is often cited by fans as the emotional center of the album, featuring melancholy lyrics about "riding high on let down." Love is a Fool: A sleazy, bombastic track that would later be reworked into the theme song for the BBC sketch show Snuffbox. Opium: The title track contrasts an upbeat, Britpop-inspired melody with lyrics about a bitter breakup and the speaker's disdain for the countryside. Lay Your Love On Me: A narrative song that references Jack the Ripper lore, specifically the Frying Pan public house and Brick Lane, mixing dark storytelling with a melodic choru. One More Hit: The album closer deals with the desperation of the entertainment industry, using the double entendre of a "hit" (musical success v. drug use) to describe the craving for validation. Legacy While Opium is a contentious release among fans due to its heavy use of spoken word and comedic elements (including intentional sound effects like burps), it is essential listening for understanding Berry's evolution. Several musical motifs from the album have been repurposed in his later career; for instance, the saxophone solo in "White Hood" was reused in an episode of Toast of London. .

via Last.fm

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