While he’s best known as the frontman of Ontario indie quartet Tokyo Police Club, Dave Monks has been preparing a solo project since the completion of TPC’s 2013 record Forcefield. The EP is entitled All Signs Point To Yes and comes off as the analog counter-narrative to TPC’s meticulous, electrified dance-rock. On Yes’ seven songs, Monks experimented with a cleaner, simpler sound and a new songwriting approach. He recounts how playing stripped-down versions of “Tesselate” on tour with his band led him to a more direct writing style:

We always kinda liked the original acoustic version, so at the end of the concert we decided to do that with just me onstage; no mics, no PA, a quiet room… It was this really cool, intimate, conversational moment with the crowd. I think playing that gave me confidence as a communicator. I can just say the words I want to say, people will understand them, and people will appreciate that. You can do more with less.

This newfound confidence is especially manifest in the EP’s single, “Gasoline,” which introduces an earnest vocal before picking up to a careening roots rock groove. The production is minimal, letting Monks’ eager, pointed lyrics take the listener’s attention. It’s a glimmering little folk-pop gem from one of indie rock’s great young minds. Hear the track below and check out Monks’ tour dates.

Tour dates:

06/15 Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage
06/16 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
06/25 Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
06/26 Hamilton, ON @ Casbah Lounge
06/27 Ottwawa, ON @ House of TARG
07/08 Cambridge, MA @ TT The Bear’s Place
07/09 Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy

All Signs Point To Yes is out 6/16 on Dine Alone Records. Pre-order it starting 5/26, and get “Gasoline” now at iTunes.