Telekinesis | B+

Michael Benjamin Lerner, aka Telekinesis, is a man that has avoided the sophomore slump with this follow-up. Two years after the release of his self-titled debut album, Telekinesis has come back on the music scene with the same pop-influenced indie rock that he's recognized for. The singer/songwriter's new album, 12 Desperate Straight Lines, presents listeners with some of his best work to date.

"Please Ask for Help" is the album's opening track. It's an energetic lament that sounds similar to that of The Cure. Songs such as "Car Crash" and "I Got You" are filled with upbeat and powerful drums, catchy choruses and honest yet heartbreaking lyrics. With lines such as "Don't speak/don't whisper/ No one is listening now/You were not the answer," it's evident that Lerner has had his share of relationship issues.

The one minor drawback to the record is the lack of subject matter. Ninety-five percent of the lyrical content on Straight Lines is about relationships and love, offering little variance in content from today's typical pop songs. While some songs, such as "Patterns" and "50 Ways," are genuinely beautiful, it would be a sufficient change of pace to stray from the over-beaten subjects. With lack of breadth aside, 12 Straight Desperate Lines is a beautifully crafted rock record for all to enjoy. The album is the result of Lerner at the top of his game, and as he continues to grow from album to album, we can expect to see him in music for years to come.