There is a fantastically infectious party vibe running through his brand of acoustic pop, it is bright, groovesome and built on slick rhythms and confident beats, exactly the sort of music that is the perfect backlash to years of beard stroking, acoustic insularity and maybe as the perfect distraction soundtrack to these difficult times to come.
But as if to prove that songs can be big and clever, smart and sassy, Ed is the master of making fun and accessible music that actually has a lot of depth. Most songs are based on wonderfully jaunty guitar work but listen a bit closer and you will hear influences from all over the globe from flamenco flourishes to Balkan beats, Americana meanderings to folky finesse. Lyrically it also covers a lot of ground and manages to switch between tongue in cheek narratives to emotionally rich reflections.
The ability to be simultaneously high-brow and frivolous, throw away and deep, delicate and dexterous, all at the same time is not an easy feat but it is this effortless and magical mix which serves him so well.