Melbourne artist Ryan Downey will celebrate the release of his debut LP 'Running' (out April 13 via Barely Dressed Records) with a full band show at the Oxford Arts Factory Gallery on Saturday May 26.

Whether it's sorrow with satisfaction, or earnestness with innuendo, parallels continuously meet and entwine throughout Running's perfect combination of indie folk, pop and rock. The defining feature of Ryan's music is his voice; a jaw-dropping amalgamation of Leonard

Cohen and a spirited Bill Callahan by way of a mid-century crooner. The record is a glorious and perfectly constructed 21st century folk gem, and 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.

Produced by Steve Hassett (Luluc) and recorded in both New York and Melbourne, Running reveals Ryan Downey as a timeless talent. Deftly plucked nylon string guitar, mesmerizing baritone, pitter-patter electric beats, electric guitar flourishes and rich synths; Downey creates a musical world unlike any that you've heard. Running is 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.

This is the first time Ryan will perform his new songs with a band - a performance not to be missed.