The exclamation point that punctuated Michael Benjamin Lerner's self-titled debut album as Telekinesis felt presumptuous. There were some sugary power-pop gems on that record, but they were outnumbered by alt-rock with tempos that ranged from a mid-paced walk to outright foot-dragging. Perhaps that's why it's a little surprising when one is reminded that Lerner's a part of Merge's stable; his songwriting style uncannily resembles that of the bands featured on Death Cab for Cutie's pre-major label home, Barsuk-- for better and for worse.