Trevor Lucier, The Proudest Monkeys play Pierce Ranch in Monterey.

Trevor Lucier, founding member of the new indie rock collective The Proudest Monkeys, reminisces about photos of himself holding guitars as a toddler. He says they predicted his destiny to be a musician. He went on to pick up the drums at 12 and join the popular local indie rock outfit Moses Nose. Now he’s finding his voice as a solo songwriter.

He says the concept behind his new album, The Destruction of the Species, is his reflection upon “the way the world is and how humanity lives in it.”

That intent surfaces on the track “Life Eats Life” as it enters ears with assuring acoustic guitar strumming, effortless melody and crystal vocals: “With your child choking on the water/ that you brought to boil/ will you think back on an ancestor’s choice rooted down in the soil… let’s learn from our mistakes/ it’s what makes our species great.”

Lucier played drums and bass in Moses Nose for three years. The group disbanded several months ago.

“Moses Nose left a really lasting impression on the local scene,” Lucier says. “I’m recognized maybe two or three times a week [by fans.]”

Working with Moses Nose front-man Vincent Randazzo left a notable impression on Lucier. “I forged my lyrical prowess working with him,” he says.

Lucier self-funded his debut album by working as a stage tech at various concerts and festivals. He recorded the album with local producer Aaron Rauber over the course of a week at Rauber’s studio in downtown Monterey. He played every instrument heard on the album, which includes lead guitar, drums, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboards and ukulele.

The Proudest Monkeys, buoyed by a backing band composed of Lucier’s close friends, plays an album release show at Pierce Ranch on Friday, Sept. 30. The intimate space will fill up quickly.

THE PROUDEST MONKEYS 8pm Friday, Sept. 30, Pierce Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room, 499 Wave St., Monterey. $5. 372-8900; www.facebook.com/piercevineyardsmusic