Barely Dress

The defining feature Ryan Downey's music is his voice, a jaw-dropping amalgamation of Leonard Cohen and Bill Callaghan by way of a mid-century crooner. Running is a glorious and sparsely constructed 21st century folk gem, not a note detracts from Downey's rich baritone as he sings a song cycle of humour and pathos. Self-analysis, sex, love and modern life. Deftly plucked nylon string guitar, mesmerizing baritone, pitter-patter electric beats, electric guitar flourishes and rich double bass; Downey has created a musical world unlike any that you've heard. This is as close to emotional, musical and perfection as you're likely to hear on a record this year. Pure magic. Produced by Steve Hassett (of Luluc) and recorded in both New York and Melbourne, Running reveals Ryan Downey as a timeless talent. An incredible debut from an artist capable of balancing cheek and sincerity, classicism and swagger and grandeur and restraint all within a single, composed breath.

New Gods: Beloved [Vinyl LP]

Jarrow: 2003 Dream [Vinyl LP]

Lawrie Jim: Slacker of the Year [CD]

A product of Melbourne, Australia's rich indie and punk-rock scene, Jarrow is the self-taught, self-produced, multi-instrumentalist you've been dreaming of. Drawing inspiration equally from 21st century meme-culture and classic 90's indie-rock, Expensive Hugs is Jarrow's second album, an immensely enjoyable dash through his world of pop-hooks, soundscapes and riff-jams. Dan Oke (the mastermind behind Jarrow) describes his sound as "garage rock meets indie pop meets post punk meets free jazz" and while he was being tongue in cheek at the time, he's actually not that far off. His production is remarkably self-assured; drawing similarities to artists such as Ariel Pink, Mac Demarco, The Shines and Ty Segall. Expensive Hugs is out March 16 through Barely Dressed Records.

Lawrie, Jim: Eons [Vinyl LP]

Lawrie, Jim: Eons [CD]