Dan Webb’s 2014 debut album, Sandstorm, invites listeners on an eclectic journey through an expansive sonic landscape, delving into themes of wandering and self-reflection. Seamlessly blending psychedelic rock, pop, funk, jazz, reggae, and electronica, Webb crafts a genre-defying experience that resonates with introspective depth.
Hailed by X-Press Magazine as "a thrilling, funky journey," Sandstorm quickly captured international attention, receiving airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music, Triple J, and Double J.
The album opens with “Broken”, where David Glavich’s wailing guitar sets a gritty, suspenseful tone—a bold departure from Webb’s previously guitar-free work. The title track “Sandstorm”, with its intricate time signatures, conjures a surreal desert odyssey, while “Shadows of a Maniac” infuses mariachi and jazz influences into its closing horns, creating a dynamic, unexpected twist. The memorable lead single “Coming Up Roses” channels a retro flair with distorted drumwork, blending familiar and fresh elements, while “Departure”, featuring The Bamboos’ soulful vocalist Kylie Auldist, contrasts upbeat funk with dark, introspective lyrics.
“Incredibly talented... a fantastic record”
Lance Ferguson
Double J
Each track contributes to Webb’s overarching concept of “getting lost and wandering the desert.”
The stripped-down “Riot”, featuring Webb’s vintage 1960s Wurlitzer keyboard, and the experimental “Lonely Pony”—with Webb taking a producer’s backseat as Australian Idol’s Bobby Flynn handles vocals—lend a sense of spontaneity, intrigue, and unpredictability to the album.
Featuring actress Ashleigh Cummings on the hypnotic “Sleep”, a story of insomnia, as well as performances from some of Australia’s top session musicians, Sandstorm is an ambitious, multi-genre experience. Tracks like “Triple Sec” and “Point of View” provide playful yet reflective finales, capturing Webb’s creative process and the late-night inspiration that defined the album’s production.
Featuring actress Ashleigh Cummings on the hypnotic “Sleep”, a story of insomnia, as well as performances from some of Australia’s top session musicians, Sandstorm is an ambitious, multi-genre experience. Tracks like “Triple Sec” and “Point of View” provide playful yet reflective finales, capturing Webb’s creative process and the late-night inspiration that defined the album’s production.
Bold, enigmatic, and deeply engaging, Webb’s debut full-length album stands as an ambitious and accomplished entry into Australia’s musical landscape.
Recorded 22 November 2012 - 2 December 2013
Dan Webb – keys, vocals, programming, hand clapping, producer, additional overdub engineer
Peter Marin – drums, percussion, hand clapping
Joshua Jones – bass, hand clapping
David Glavich – guitar
Josiah Bradshaw – percussion (tracks 2, 4, 7, 9, 12)
Ashleigh Cummings – vocals (tracks 7, 8)
Bobby Flynn – vocals (track 7)
Kylie Auldist – vocals (tracks 4, 5)
Damon Grant – saxophone, flute
Ari Farrar – trumpet
Kieran Conrau – trombone
Andrew Crosbie – engineer
Colin Leadbetter – mix engineer, additional overdub engineer
Ross Cockle – mastering engineer
Photography by Angelo Kehagias and Liz Harding
Album artwork by Aaron Hayward
Dan Webb – keys, vocals, programming, hand clapping, producer, additional overdub engineer
Peter Marin – drums, percussion, hand clapping
Joshua Jones – bass, hand clapping
David Glavich – guitar
Josiah Bradshaw – percussion (tracks 2, 4, 7, 9, 12)
Ashleigh Cummings – vocals (tracks 7, 8)
Bobby Flynn – vocals (track 7)
Kylie Auldist – vocals (tracks 4, 5)
Damon Grant – saxophone, flute
Ari Farrar – trumpet
Kieran Conrau – trombone
Andrew Crosbie – engineer
Colin Leadbetter – mix engineer, additional overdub engineer
Ross Cockle – mastering engineer
Photography by Angelo Kehagias and Liz Harding
Album artwork by Aaron Hayward