To celebrate Earth Day, Ed O’Brien today releases the new single, “Incantations”, the second reveal from his recently announced solo album, Blue Morpho, out 22 May 2026 via Transgressive (pre-save here).

Album opener “Incantations” unfurls as eight minutes of hypnotic psych-folk, O’Brien’s gentle voice rustling like leaves in the Welsh countryside over a latticework of radiant guitars (courtesy of Dave Okumu) and buoyant drums.

“Incantations” follows the stunning and uplifting title track, “Blue Morpho”, where Ed steps into the dark, and emerges renewed, inspired by the healing effects of nature.

The album’s accompanying short film, Blue Morpho: The Three Act Play, which premiered at SXSW last month and was screened in London, Oxford and Paris, will follow Blue Morpho’s release. Directed in Wales by Kit Monteith, the film offers an honest and intimate portrait of O’Brien. Watch the trailer here.

Listen to “Incantations” here and watch the visuals below.

Ed O’Brien recently announced An Evening With… Blue Morpho, a seven-date UK and European tour taking place in October 2026, culminating in a special performance at London’s iconic Barbican on 16 October (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 musical director Dave Okumu. Rather than simply recreating the record in its studio form, the live show is conceived as a fluid and immersive experience – a celebration of the music in which each performance will evolve and take on a life of its own. Led by O’Brien as the central figure, the band draws inspiration from the expansive, exploratory spirit of artists such as Sly and the Family Stone, Miles Davis and Phish. A full list of live dates is below. Tickets are on sale now here.

Ed O’Brien will also be appearing on a panel at The Great Escape next month called ‘Music Saved My Life’ alongside Nadine Shah. In partnership with CALM, this powerful session explores the role music plays in mental health and wellbeing. More details here. 

Additionally a series of Q&A events will take place in Leeds, Cardiff, and London, which will be on sale at 10am on Friday.

23-May-26 – Leeds Conservatoire in association with Crash Records

24-May-26 – Cardiff Tramshed in association with Jacaranda Records

26-May-26  – London EartH in association with Rough Trade

Live dates (tickets on sale here):

4-Oct-26 – Netherlands, Amsterdam, Royal Theatre Carre

6-Oct-26 – Italy, Milan, Teatro Lirico

8-Oct-26 – France, Paris, Salle Pleyel

10-Oct-26 – Germany, Berlin, Admiralspalast

12-Oct-26 – Germany, Hamburg, Laeiszhalle

14-Oct-26 – Netherlands, Groningen, Oosterpoort Main Hall

16-Oct-26 – UK, London, Barbican – SOLD OUT