Ed O’Brien has released “Incantations,” a hypnotic new single shared in celebration of Earth Day and taken from his upcoming album Blue Morpho, due out May 22 via Transgressive. The track follows the previously released title song and offers a deeper look into the record’s expansive and immersive sound.
Running at eight minutes, “Incantations” unfolds slowly, building a meditative, psych-folk atmosphere that feels both intimate and wide-reaching. O’Brien’s vocal is soft and understated, drifting through the song with a natural ease that mirrors the textures surrounding it. The instrumentation is rich, with layered guitars and steady, buoyant drums creating a sense of movement without breaking the track’s hypnotic spell. The result is something that feels fluid and immersive.
Critically, the song has already drawn strong reactions, being described as “shape-shifting and psychedelic,” while also noted as a “gorgeous, slow-burning spell” that opens the world of Blue Morpho. That sense of gradual transformation is central to the track, which evolves patiently rather than chasing immediacy.
“Incantations” arrives as part of a broader creative moment for O’Brien. The album itself came together through series of collaborations, including work with producer Paul Epworth and contributions from a range of musicians across different sessions in Wales, London and beyond. With this new single, O’Brien continues to carve out a distinct solo identity, one rooted in atmosphere, collaboration and a deep sense of musical exploration.
Photo credit: Raymond Flotat
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