Paranormal Activity S eattle songwriter Michael Benjamin Lerner,
a.k.a. Telekinesis, sounds incredibly cheery on the phone. So cheery, in fact, that one believes him completely when he says, “I always looked at myself as someone who couldn’t write a sad song.” And yet, Lerner’s new album, 12 Desperate Straight Lines (Merge) seems comfortable with darker hues. The pop pep that characterized Telekinesis’ self-titled debut is still there, but it’s cut with a strong dose of disappointment, as the 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist mixes New Order and the New Pornographers until you can’t tell the difference. Though his new road band features bassist Jason Narducy, who has played with Robert Pollard and Bob Mould, and guitarist/former Blood Brother Cody Votolato, Lerner recorded everything himself with producer Chris Walla as on the debut. “I was between bands at the time,” Lerner says. Nevertheless, he went in wanting to make a more self-consciously “rock” album. “I think a lot of it has to do with how many shows I have played since that first record was made. We toured pretty constantly photo by kyle johnson
Michael Lerner exerts his will, loudly, as Telekinesis / by Joe Gross
for about two and half years, playing shows in front of people and taking the first album into this whole different rock ’n’ roll place.” Personal chaos was a big factor as well. “I was at a really weird point in my life,” Lerner reveals. The drama of a breakup and problems with his hearing— “I had this fluid thing in my left ear that made it feel like I was on a boat all the time”—was channeled into songs such as “Please Ask for Help” and “50 Way.” But not once does he hint that he feels sorry for himself. Indeed, Lerner sounds nothing but grateful for his success. “I totally didn’t plan to be a songwriter,” he says. “I just wanted to be a drummer in a band full time. I started writing songs, then just taught myself guitar and bass and piano.” Which means yes, Lerner is a singing drummer. “I will be rocking the Phil Collins/Don Henley thing,” he promises. “Hopefully, it will be louder than those guys. Very, very loud.”
12 Desperate Straight Lines Available Now [ Merge ]
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