Spooky Action at a Distance

Bradford Cox may get a lot of the face time in Deerhunter, but guitarist-vocalist Lockett Pundt shouldn’t be overlooked. At the very least he contributed two of the best tracks on 2010’s Halcyon Digest: “Desire Lines” and “Fountain Stairs.” But I also get the sense Pundt should be given credit for keeping Cox’s electronic dalliances from completely taking over. Of course, I’m probably wrong, but it’s nice to think there are checks and balances. But Spooky Action at a Distance—Pundt’s second release as Lotus Plaza—makes a good case for him. The songs on Spooky Action are natural extensions of his Deerhunter contributions, both with the songs as well as the shimmering guitar melodies that run throughout. “White Galactic One” is the standout, with its twisted lead guitar line and Pundt’s echoed whisper. The mechanical beat on “Jet Out of the Tundra” is brought to life by a walking bass line and effects-laden guitars, while closer “Black Buzz” strips away everything except for an acoustic guitar and Pundt’s vocals (bathed in reverb, of course). Overall, Spooky Action at a Distance remains in a sonic state of shoegaze. It also perfectly captures Pundt’s stoic and reliable abilities as a songwriter.