Album review: Jed Parsons, Midnight Feast

Jed Parsons has released his debut record Midnight Feast

Midnight Feast is the sound of everything in its right place. This debut album from indie pop merchant Jed Parsons is meticulously sequenced, flowing with pleasing variety and plenty of sonic surprises that afford each song maximum impact and stave off the nagging feeling that you might want to put on something else.

The record starts gently with the slow burning Real World, a soft folksy acoustic number that gradually builds to its stadium swaying conclusion.

It immediately segues into the bouncy guitar jangle of Get Lost, a rowdy acknowledgement that time is passing so you'd better get on with chasing that dream. Parsons' lax delivery, the breezy melody and the song's happy urgency makes it one of the highlights of the album.

Time, another radio favourite, is next. Smooth one minute, rocking the next, it's a great example of Parsons' skill at putting a quirky spin on things. His characterful backing vocals - all cartoon aaahs and ooo's - and the song's stellar arrangement and instrumentation all show off his musical nous.

Other highlights include the jaunty strum, whimsical carnival flourishes and perky whistling solo of How Could You and the dreamy pop angst of break-up number Move On.

Parsons' strength lies with the more energetic songs. Realising that a full album of that stuff could get exhaustive he does break things up with slower, gentler numbers. Though these are as technically accomplished and intricate as the more lively tunes, they don't pack the emotional punch or resonance that you can't help but think they should.

Nevertheless, there's a lot to like on this inventive debut. "My vision seems so clear," Parsons sings on the gentle radio blues of Dreams and really, that's an apt summation of the album.

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Artist: Jed Parsons
Album: Midnight Feast
Label: (Independent)
Verdict: A classy debut that signals Parsons as one to watch.