Telekinesis “Telekinesis!”(Merge)
The new album from Seattle indie rockers Telekinesis begs to be judged against the finest of its breed, an assured, razor-sharp entry into the Merge catalog and an early contender for best debut of 2009. When you consider that it was written and performed entirely by Michael Benjamin Lerner, a 22-year-old sound engineer who caught the ear of Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla (who produces here), the feat is even more impressive.
Depth is something that Lerner will develop over subsequent albums. What he has now is an almost supernatural ability to divine gorgeous melodies and a performance prowess that should intimidate veterans. Instantly accessible but endlessly rewarding, “Telekinesis!” has forward momentum to spare.
Telekinesis plays the Hi-Dive on Monday with Say Hi and Fellow Citizens. hi-dive.com.John Wenzel
