Ed O’Brien, 58-year-old guitarist of Radiohead, serendipitously collaborated with fellow multi-hyphenate composers and musicians, notably Tõnu Kõrvits, Shabaka Hutchings, Dave Okumu, among others to further develop his sophomore record, Blue Morpho, his first with Transgressive Records. It has been a long time coming for O’Brien to process and deal with a rough patch since his debut album, Earth. Over time, he spewed out the artistry necessary to write the 7 tracks of Blue Morpho. Still, he represented much of what held it all together, especially faith, healing, and meditation in this new stage.

The sound of Blue Morpho can transport any listener through various imaginative scenes: sitting dressed-up in a concert hall with “Incantations” to flipping channels on the television before landing on a nature scene with “Blue Morpho” or dancing freestyle at the club with “Teachers.” With an amassed 30+ year experience of contributing to the pages of varied arrangements, there were moments where O’Brien could let go and take chances. Matching to work with Paul Epworth and Riley MacIntyre, he built upon a larger team to bring out his full range. Like in “Sweet Spot,” the emotion in O’Brien’s voice has breadth. It is a hypnotic track with its coos building up against the sultry guitar and rattling percussion.

Like ever before from playing in one of the most acclaimed rock bands in the world, O’Brien helps guide a shift that feels cinematic. Blue Morpho transports you into a different world. It felt mentally lifting in a space to get utterly lost. “Solfeggio” is a droning ambient loop that starts off unassuming, but ends up at a surprising breaking point. As the shortest track, ‘Thin Places’ continues by quietly layering the soundscape of flute. Then follows the longest track and finale, “Obrigado,” a fitting celebration to finish Blue Morpho. Ed O’Brien sings of hopeful times as both a manifestation and expression of gratitude.

Blue Morpho trails to a place that gets cathartic. Inspired by poets, motivational speakers, and a pulling interest to other genres, O’Brien also drew from many experiences in his own life. Named after the iridescent butterfly he first encountered in Brazil, the album built its foundation in Wales before taking shape in The Church Studios in London. Ed O’Brien delved into his personal findings to echo a sound remarkably universal.

Pre-order Blue Morpho by Ed O’Brien HERE