Even when he’s belting out heartfelt indie anthems, there’s a tongue-in-cheek quality to Jed Parsons that draws you in. It’s more obvious than ever on his newest single, Playstation & Porn.
It’s been a moment since the New Zealand singer/songwriter plated up his debut album Midnight Feast, and we’re certainly glad he’s back. The new tune is catchy and pointed; tackling toxic masculinity with a lighthearted timbre that only serves to get the point across more brilliantly.
Is Playstation & Porn the only activities you’ve been knocking out in lockdown? Jed Parsons – and everybody else in the world – wants you to get a hobby.
The song tells the tale of a not-so-desirable man-child who, you guessed it, spends his time playing Playstation and watching porn. It’s a warning for anyone who would involve themselves with this character or anyone like him, the lead-in to the first chorus saying it all:
“You won’t change him, but nothing will/’Cause all he’s into are Playstation & Porn”
For a tune about video gaming and adult films, there’s a surprising amount of poetry to be found within. The verses paint a vivid picture – for better or worse – of the type of man who Parsons is warning against. Like his Australian neighbour Alex Cameron, Parsons has fully realised the character he’s crafted, describing his intentions, habits, and flaws with laser precision.
“Lifelong ambition of money for nothing and his chicks for free/but he just turned 33 and he’s done nothing to find a girl who puts up with him.”
Given this is the first new peep from Parsons since Midnight Feast in 2018, we’re holding out hope for more releases to come. As you can likely tell from the above video made for NZ On Air Music, Parsons certainly isn’t lacking for time or inspiration at the moment.
Playstation & Porn is out now.
