Spooky Action at a Distance
by Lotus Plaza
  • Record Label: Kranky
  • Release Date: Apr 2, 2012
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Pitchfork
    Apr 4, 2012
    84
    It's one of the strongest indie rock records of the year so far.
  2. Q Magazine
    Apr 24, 2012
    80
    There is a prevailing, bleary charm in its warmest moments - Eveningness, White Galactic One - that make Lockett's latest well worth investing in. [May 2012, p.101]
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  3. Consequence
    Apr 11, 2012
    80
    Showcasing his most straightforward songwriting yet, Spooky Action at a Distance solidifies for us what Pundt has always been: a vital element of Deerhunter and an understated conjurer of rock reveries.
  5. Prefix Magazine
    Apr 5, 2012
    80
    With Spooky Action at a Distance, Pundt proves he can walk the tightrope between listener-friendly anthems and cerebral digressions into edgier terrain with aplomb.
  6. cokemachineglow
    Apr 4, 2012
    80
    This record speaks into the empty vastness of our endless music consumerism, and all it says is "me too."
  7. The Fly (UK)
    Apr 4, 2012
    80
    Guitar work comes across as the strongest feature of 'Spooky Action At A Distance' – tricky arpeggios and impeccably crafted feedback combine to create bleary, Kurt-Vile-esque smokescapes.
  8. Magnet
    Apr 12, 2012
    70
    Original Distance isn't, but it's a great hang.
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  9. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 9, 2012
    70
    The new songs display a newfound sophistication in composition, arrangement, and production, with richly layered, textured guitars, and Pundt having come ever closer to finding his own voice.
  10. Dusted Magazine
    Apr 9, 2012
    70
    Spooky Action at a Distance is an album with a lot of footholds--different kinds at that--and it spreads them out in a fashion just as lazy and distracted as the songwriting itself.
  11. AllMusic
    Apr 4, 2012
    70
    Spooky Action at a Distance might be more low-key than some of Pundt's other work with and without Lotus Plaza, but it's still a great showcase for his winsome songs.
  12. Exclaim
    Apr 4, 2012
    70
    Spooky Action At A Distance is a sprawling pop album beaming with the kind of confidence none of us, likely even Pundt, expected. Some surprises are worth waiting six years for.
  13. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 4, 2012
    68
    If I don't revisit it, (and I might not, because it wasn't exactly mind-blowing), I appreciate it for at least being a pleasant listen.
  14. Mojo
    Apr 19, 2012
    60
    Although influences aren't hidden ... it's [Pundt's] own voice here. [May 2012, p.82]
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  15. PopMatters
    Apr 5, 2012
    60
    As a whole, Spooky Action feels like a mostly great demo: In many ways, we've heard all these songs before, in slightly tighter fashion, on the last two Deerhunter albums.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Belmsher
    Apr 19, 2012
    9
    A very meditative record, perfectly crafted and with no fillers. Deerhunter reminisces all over it but there's enough space for theA very meditative record, perfectly crafted and with no fillers. Deerhunter reminisces all over it but there's enough space for the difference, although melodically nothing's properly new here.… Full Review »
  2. jyo_tirmaya
    Jun 2, 2012
    8
    Probably going to be one of the best indie albums of 2012! Pitchfork festival in Chicago will be coming this summer, and I see that LotusProbably going to be one of the best indie albums of 2012! Pitchfork festival in Chicago will be coming this summer, and I see that Lotus Plaza is on the bill for day 3!… Full Review »
  3. AlexxTrusc
    May 26, 2012
    7
    Lotus Plaza and "Spooky Action At A Distance" is a great indie rock album. Through songs such as "Strangers" - indeed, can be frustratingLotus Plaza and "Spooky Action At A Distance" is a great indie rock album. Through songs such as "Strangers" - indeed, can be frustrating slightly repeatable themes or bridges, where instrumental parts sometimes do not fit the whole song ("White Galactic One"), but overall - on the album band created very melodic version of indie rock, sometimes combining this style with pop or alternative inserts. Little shoegaze overtones also causes that album stands out from the competition.… Full Review »
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