Unlike The Floodlight Collective, Spooky Action at a Distance was written so that the songs could be easily played in a live performance.

"[8] Consequence of Sound's David Dilillo was also positive, writing "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.

"[7] Prefix Magazine's Jamieson Cox praised the album for balancing mainstream and experimental elements, writing "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.

"[10] Allmusic's Heather Phares described Spooky Action at a Distance as "[A] great showcase for his [Pundt's] winsome songs.

"[5] Ryan Reed of Popmatters also gave the album a mixed review, writing "[W]hen the intensity dies down, the results can be shapeless."