Telekinesis! cover

Telekinesis!

Telekinesis · 2009

31 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

Breezy melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of indie rock charm and youthful exuberance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Coast of Carolina — This track features an infectious chorus that encapsulates the carefree spirit of youth while reflecting on personal growth and nostalgia.
  • →
    Awkward Kisser — With its punchy tempo and relatable lyrics about romantic mishaps, this song showcases Lerner's knack for blending humor with honesty.
  • →
    I Saw Lightning — This closing track combines introspective lyricism with an uplifting melody, effectively summarizing the album's themes of hope and existential reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases catchy melodies and relatable themes, with a solid DIY aesthetic.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and bright instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
  • Many songs utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic hooks.
  • The album features a consistent use of jangly guitar riffs and steady drum patterns that create a cohesive sound throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • breezy melodies for sunny days
  • short tracks for quick listens
  • youthful exuberance and charm
  • sing-along friendly moments
  • lighthearted vibes for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • slow, drawn-out emotional depth

Where this album fits

Career context
Telekinesis! is the debut album by Michael Benjamin Lerner, released in January 2009. At this stage, Lerner was emerging from the Seattle music scene, having recorded the album largely by himself, which showcased his DIY approach and set the tone for his subsequent works.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rust 2:06
  • 2 Coast of Carolina 3:31
  • 3 Tokyo 2:53
  • 4 Look to the East 3:13
  • 5 Awkward Kisser 1:44
  • 6 Foreign Room 3:29
  • 7 Great Lakes 2:53
  • 8 Imaginary Friend 2:53
  • 9 All of a Sudden 3:42
  • 10 Calling All Doctors 3:02
  • 11 I Saw Lightning 2:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata