Oscar Albis Rodriguez, who since 2011 has been performing as, simply, Albis, learned a thing or two from the punk-rock scene, even if you can’t always hear it reflected in the music. For one, he absorbed the genre’s DIY attitude, and has always been committed to crafting his own sound from start to finish, not only composing his own music and penning his own lyrics, but also doing his own production work.

Rodriguez has been involved in music for the better part of his life, moving to New York from Rhode Island in 1999 and jumping into the scene head first, whether that meant hopping on an international tour or performing with Hedwig & The Angry Inch. For his latest effort, ANIMALS, he took to Russell Street Recording Studio in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn to record his most introspective work to date, in part a rumination on his recent marriage.

Today, Elmore is premiering “The Man In The Silver Vest,” a track from the upcoming EP. Rodriguez says of the song, “some things, especially with love, are better left unknown; sometimes it’s better not to fall down an internet rabbit hole.” It’s a simple, almost lullaby-like tune, Albis’ voice sometimes no more than a whisper over the steady thrum of acoustic guitar. The track is instantly familiar, calling to mind the poetic lyricism of Death Cab for Cutie and the gentle, precise melodies of Simon & Garfunkel. “You love me my dear, I still hold on tight to my fears,” he intones. He isn’t afraid to lay his heart on his sleeve, and that’s something we can all be thankful for.

Albis’ EP, ANIMALS, is set for release on September 30^th. Connect via his Bandcamp and Facebook for tour dates and more information, and listen to “The Man In The Silver Vest” below.