Ed O’Brien’s ‘Blue Morpho’: Inside the Radiohead Guitarist’s Second Solo Album

Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien returned to his solo work in 2026 with Blue Morpho, a reflective and collaborative album that expands on the sonic territory he began exploring with his debut solo record Earth in 2020. Released on 22 May 2026 via Transgressive Records, the project marks both a musical evolution and a symbolic shift in how O’Brien presents his solo identity.

Release details and label

Blue Morpho is O’Brien’s second solo studio album. It arrived on 22 May 2026 under the Transgressive Records label, credited as “Ed O’Brien under exclusive licence to Transgressive Records Ltd.” on digital platforms.

The record runs seven tracks and approximately 38 minutes, making it a compact, focused follow‑up to his debut.

From EOB to Ed O’Brien

When O’Brien released Earth in 2020, he used the EOB moniker. For Blue Morpho, however, he chose to release the album under his full name, marking his first solo project credited directly to Ed O’Brien.

This change signaled a more personal presentation of his music and coincided with a period of artistic reinvention as he continued developing his solo identity outside Radiohead.

Production and collaborators

The album was produced by Paul Epworth, known for work with artists such as Adele and Paul McCartney, with Riley MacIntyre involved in the production and engineering process.

O’Brien assembled a diverse group of collaborators, including:

• Shabaka Hutchings – flutes
• Dave Okumu – guitar contributions and musical direction
• Dan See – drums
• Tõnu Kõrvits – string arrangements performed by the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra

Recording sessions took place between O’Brien’s studio in Wales and The Church Studios in London, combining intimate songwriting with orchestral and experimental textures.

Personal experiences and influences

The creation of Blue Morpho was shaped by a difficult personal period. O’Brien recorded the album after experiencing depression and emotional upheaval, and he has described the music as emerging from a “dark night of the soul.”

A daily practice of playing guitar without expectations became the foundation for many of the songs. Nature and reflective writing—along with influences such as the work of writer Wendell Berry—helped guide the album’s themes of healing and transformation.

Full tracklist

The album consists of seven songs:

1. Incantations
2. Blue Morpho
3. Sweet Spot
4. Teachers
5. Solfeggio
6. Thin Places
7. Obrigado

The concise structure was designed to create an intimate listening experience while moving between psychedelic folk textures, atmospheric electronics, and orchestral elements.

Companion film: Blue Morpho: The Three Act Play

Alongside the album, O’Brien released a short film titled “Blue Morpho: The Three Act Play.” The film premiered at the SXSW festival and was planned to accompany the album’s launch.

The project expands the album’s themes of transformation and introspection through a visual narrative tied to the music.

What O’Brien said about Radiohead touring in 2027

In interviews surrounding the album, O’Brien also discussed Radiohead’s future touring plans. He indicated that the band intends to return to the road beginning in 2027 with an unusual strategy: approximately 20 shows per year on a single continent, rotating regions annually.

According to O’Brien, the limited schedule is meant to keep performances focused while avoiding the burnout that can come with large‑scale world tours.

A new chapter for O’Brien’s solo work

With Blue Morpho, O’Brien continues building a distinct creative voice outside Radiohead. The album blends introspective songwriting with collaborative experimentation—and, by releasing it under his own name, he signals a deeper personal investment in his solo path while the band prepares for its next phase.