Musically, Oedipus the King defies easy classification, merging elements of jazz, rock, pop, psychedelia, and electronic music into a unified soundscape that is as innovative as it is reflective of contemporary social anxieties. Upon its release, critics made favourable comparisons of the album to David Bowie’s Berlin period for its avant-garde approach, as well as to the improvisational style of Miles Davis and the gritty storytelling of Tom Waits.

Originally inspired by a world music vision, Webb drew upon diverse cultural and philosophical influences, weaving in themes from Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita to explore questions of fate and morality within the context of modern life. This cross-cultural resonance permeates the album’s themes, amplifying its exploration of identity and existential struggle.

The album title, serendipitously inspired by a chance encounter with Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex during a radio program about literature and the U.S. election, reflects Webb’s resonance with timeless tragedies that mirror today’s existential challenges. The tragedy of Oedipus shapes Webb’s reflections on the current landscape, as he channels the timeless themes of fate, self-awareness, and disillusionment into the emotional terrain of tracks like “Missed Opportunity” and “Day One”.