Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien has revealed details of his new solo album, Blue Morpho, set for release on May 22 alongside a short film. The album follows his 2020 debut Earth and features production by Paul Epworth and contributions from Shabaka Hutchings and Tõnu Kõrvits.
Ed O’Brien, known as the guitarist for Radiohead, announced Blue Morpho, his first album on the Transgressive label and successor to his 2020 solo debut Earth. The record, produced by Paul Epworth, includes contributions from Shabaka Hutchings and composer Tõnu Kõrvits. It will arrive on May 22 with an accompanying short film titled Blue Morpho: The Three Act Play. The tracklist comprises: 01. Incantations, 02. Blue Morpho, 03. Sweet Spot, 04. Teachers, 05. Solfeggio, 06. Thin Places, and 07. Obrigado. A lead single is available to listen to, as noted in the announcement following recent Radiohead tour dates. O’Brien described the album’s origins in a press statement, stemming from one of “the most challenging periods” of his life during a deep depression in late 2020. He credited extended guitar playing sessions and the methods of Win Hof—a motivational speaker and athlete using cold exposure for mental and physical ailments—for aiding his recovery. In a Rolling Stone interview, O’Brien discussed challenges in adapting Blue Morpho for live performance. He also shared plans for Radiohead, stating, “Every year we’re going to do a different continent, and we’re going to do 20 shows each year,” adding, “No more, no less.”
