I remember Seattle as a solemn place when I lived there years ago, with two types of weather: rainy and overcast. Not the sort of picture painted in Telekinesis!'s debut album. If anything, it's the exact opposite, and the only possible thing they have in common with grunge is a fondness for straight-up bar chords. In any case, this just might be the happiest album you've heard this year.
Fear not. Telekinesis! isn't teenage indie, although you'd be forgiven for thinking so. Through the imagery of childhood, nature walks and picnics, cheek kissing, cherry cola and trips to Tokyo, they communicate some honest observations. The line "I want the simple life" from the brief 'We Talk Thru Satellites' aptly sums up their happy-go-lucky philosophy. Quite recently, America's obsession with quirky kook - an ubiquitous feature of 'Juno' and Wes Anderson films - has gone mainstream. Telekinesis! and their fashionable exclamation mark nudge in on it.
The record also enlists a little help from Death Cab For Cutie's guitarist, Chris Walla. His polished pop production gives it a bright and shiny feel. But therein lies the problem. No matter how hard I try to separate them, they remain too close to Death Cab for comfort.
It's hard to criticise Telekinesis! when they are clearly having so much fun. It would be like scolding a laughing child in a playground, and I'm just not that much of a bastard. But take note: If you're expecting the electro nuances of Postal Service then turn away now. But if you like the upbeat guitar based romanticism of The Decemberists or The Shins (and yes, Death Cab For Cutie) then Telekinesis!!!!111111 is worth every scrimped and saved pound.
(© Copyright 2009 Brendan Morgan)
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