Michael Benjamin Lerner of Telekinesis
Telekinesis’ self-titled, 2009 debut album chronicled the giddy rush of a new relationship and the exhilarating wanderlust of being young, in love, and on tour in a set of polished, hooky pop. Then, of course, it all fell apart—and thank god it did. Telekinesis’ new follow-up, 12 Desperate Straight Lines, is a breakup album; but it’s a deliriously catchy, buoyant, and joy-inducing thrill ride of a breakup album that incorporates influences as wide-ranging as the fuzzed-out bass of Flin Flon and the hypnotically liquid guitar tones of Disintegration-era Cure—not to mention Tom Petty, ELO, and OMD—without ever ceding its unique identity.
In advance of his show tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, The A.V. Club caught up with Michael Benjamin Lerner, the man behind Telekinesis, to ask him—via instant messaging, to save his flu-ravaged voice—about his favorite breakup albums, being a singing drummer, and the genius of Phil Collins.
The A.V. Club: What’s your favorite breakup album?
Michael Benjamin Lerner: I guess [Fleetwood Mac’s] Rumours. That’s an insane one. They were all writing breakup songs about each other. Pretty spiteful, but super intriguing!
AVC: Is there a favorite moment or song that helps push it into your top breakup album category?
MBL: I don’t know if you could pinpoint a moment on that record. But when you listen to it, and you think that it’s songs about all the people in the band, and interpersonal relationships. It’s just kind of amazing. “The Chain” is a good one.
AVC: Are you a Fleetwood Mac fan?
MBL: Yes. Absolutely. Have you got into Tusk? It’s my favorite record of theirs. It’s incredible. Tusk will rule your whole world for a while. It’s so much more coked up and paranoid sounding.
AVC: Do you consider Fleetwood Mac to be a direct influence on your band or songwriting?