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.
