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. Paul 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.