Ready to trade deep introspection for a little movement? Australian psychedelic fusionist Dan Webb is turning up the energy with his new single, “Thai Basil,” a vibrant, genre-blending release that celebrates the simple joy of being alive and enjoying the moment. Taken from his forthcoming fifth album, Lion Dance, the track offers a lively change of pace from the more philosophical and emotionally weighty themes explored in his previous singles.
Webb has spent years building a musical identity that refuses to sit comfortably in one genre. Since 2008, his work has evolved from progressive, keyboard-driven rock into experimental post-punk, electro-jazz, and adventurous sonic combinations. His 2023 release, Sunshine/Dialogue, earned widespread critical acclaim and a nomination for Self-Producing Artist of the Year at the 2024 Music Producer & Engineers’ Guild of Australia Awards. With Lion Dance, he continues to push those creative boundaries, and “Thai Basil” offers a particularly fun glimpse into that journey.
Inspired by the flavours of Southeast Asia, “Thai Basil” brings a celebratory spirit to Webb’s otherwise reflective new album campaign. Its foundation is built around a punchy synth bass line, electronic drums, and layers of keyboards, creating a groove that practically invites listeners to move. Drummer Micah Hummel, known for his work with Quickly, Quickly, and percussionist Nate Werth of Snarky Puppy and Ghost-Note add further rhythmic depth, with multiple drum and percussion takes giving the track a rich, energetic pulse.
But the real magic happens when the horns enter the picture. Ron Blake and James King, members of the horn section featured on the Rolling Stones’ recent albums Hackney Diamonds and Foreign Tongues, bring serious firepower to the arrangement. Their contribution is especially striking on a tightly packed unison passage originally improvised by Webb on his keyboard. The part proved so dense that playing it in one uninterrupted take was physically impractical, leading Blake and King to record shorter sections that were carefully joined together in post-production.
Webb did not stop there. He layered the horn arrangement repeatedly, transforming it into a three-part contrapuntal passage before adding even more synth textures. The result is a wonderfully crowded, psychedelic finish that balances musical complexity with an irresistible sense of fun. Plenty is happening beneath the surface, but the track never loses sight of its central mission: keeping the energy alive.
There is also a lovely personal story behind this musical ambition. Webb grew up listening to Beatles and Rolling Stones records introduced by his father, while his mother opened the door to jazz. He began learning piano at just four years old, encouraged by grandparents who appreciated classical composers such as Bach and Mozart. Those early influences now come together in a rather remarkable way on “Thai Basil”, where classical counterpoint meets jazz-rock experimentation and the musicians behind the Rolling Stones’ horn sound help bring his vision to life.
It is a full-circle moment for an artist whose curiosity has always guided his creative direction. The young music fan who grew up absorbing those classic records is now writing arrangements for musicians associated with one of rock’s most legendary bands. Not a bad way to bring childhood influences into a new musical chapter!
With “Thai Basil,” Dan Webb shows that his experimental approach can be just as playful as it is ambitious. The single delivers intricate musicianship, layered production, and a lively groove without sacrificing the adventurous spirit that defines his work. As anticipation builds for Lion Dance, this track offers a colourful reminder that even music packed with technical detail can leave plenty of room for dancing, celebration, and simply enjoying the moment.
Dan Webb turns musical experimentation into a full-blown celebration on ‘Thai Basil’
