Ed O’Brien has released new single “Abberycwmhir.” The track was previously only available physically on the “Blue Morpho” 7” single. Translated from Welsh as “Abbey in the Long Valley,” “Abberycwmhir”, is named after a village in the valley of the Nant Clywedog in Powys, Wales. O’Brien, also a member of Radiohead, latest full-length Blue Morpho, is now available via Transgressive Records.

O’Brien often returns to a quote by Kentucky poet and farmer Wendell Berry: “To know the dark, go dark.” That philosophy became both compass and catalyst for Blue Morpho – a deeply personal record produced by Paul Epworth and Riley MacIntyre (Ezra Collective), born from one of the most challenging periods of his life. While O’Brien remains one of rock music’s most celebrated guitarists, Blue Morpho finds him stepping into new creative territory, embracing hypnotic psych-folk, radiant guitars, beguiling trip-hop and moments of luminous stillness.

Written during years of personal reflection and experimentation, the album emerged from long improvisational sessions, where he immersed himself in sound as a way to process emotional upheaval and renewal. The result is a record that navigates transformation, healing and spiritual connection, shaped by both introspection and collaboration.

A series of serendipitous encounters helped bring Blue Morpho to life. Epworth became a central creative partner, while saxophonist and composer Shabaka Hutchings contributed flutes following conversations around resonance and frequency at Glastonbury. Dave Okumu weaves radiant, intricate guitar work throughout the record, ESKA lends additional vocals, and acclaimed Estonian composer Tõnu Kõrvits arranged the album’s string parts, performed by the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, deepening the record’s rich and expansive emotional landscape.

The record was completed between O’Brien’s studio in Wales and The Church Studios in London, with sequencing assistance from Flood and mixing by Ben Baptie.

O’Brien will play live in the UK and Europe in October with a special performance at London’s iconic Barbican on October 16th, which sold out in under 24 hours. The Blue Morpho live experience will bring together a collective of musicians who performed on the album’s recording sessions, including ESKA and musical director Dave Okumu. Rather than simply recreating the studio record, the live show is conceived as a fluid and immersive celebration of the music in which each performance will evolve and take on a life of its own. Led by O’Brien, the band will draw inspiration from the expansive, exploratory spirit of artists such as Sly and the Family Stone, Miles Davis and Phish.

Ed O’ Brien 2026 Tour Dates:

Sun. Oct. 4 – Amsterdam, NL @ Royal Theatre Carre
Tue. Oct. 6 – Milan, IT @ Teatro Lirico
Thu. Oct. 8 – Paris, FR @ Salle Pleyel
Sat. Oct. 10 – Berlin, DE @ Admiralspalast
Mon. Oct. 12 – Hamburg, DE @ Laeiszhalle
Wed. Oct. 14 – Groningen, NL @ Oosterpoort Main Hall
Fri. Oct. 16 – London, UK @ Barbican [SOLD OUT]
Mon. Oct. 19 – Belfast, IE @ Ulster Hall, Belfast International Arts Festival

Order Blue Morpho by Ed O’Brien HERE