Various Artists
Defective Soundscapes
Reviews
- Fractured Mirror Magazine, U.K., 1/15/95, Gareth
Lancaster: " Real Orb-style ambient hasn't come along much in
recent months, the stuff that has no real beginning and end, the stuff
that is just sounds with no attempt to really cement it all together or
anything. The album starts with the words 'Are your children smoking
pot?' and that seems to set the field of play for the album - chill
out. It is an album like the Orb's finest stuff, all three of the bands
being able to reach those highs, but the music also retains
individuality. 'Dancing Body Bags' for instance, has a deep beat in the
background through parts - the sort of moody, atmospheric beat that just
desires the listeners attention. Telekinetic Soulmate seem to have got the
truly ambient work sown up completely. Exterior Mirror offer a slightly
more structured approach (only ever so slightly!), and have a richer,
more full-bodied sound than Telekinetic Soulmate. Pure Gamma go for the
less structured approach again, but in
a way that is obviously different to Telekinetic Soulmate - but you just
try to put your finger on why. You can tell that it is a different band
but you can't tell why! All the tracks on this compilation are superb.
I'm an ambient fan, I always have be
en, and there is something relaxing and rejuvinating about listening to
this kind of music, without having to think about the music as such.
It's there and that's all that matters."
- Cradle Magazine, U.S.A., 3/22/95, Gregor Hoffman:
"'Defective Soundscapes' is a compilation CD that features the more or
less ambient (although there are some beats layered in portions of the
various tracks) compositions of three different projects: Exterior
Mirror, Pure Gamma, and Telekinetic Soulmate. These 10 aural
constructions are multilayered and the more you immerse yourself in the
soundscapes, the more you'll discover. The tracks for the most part
have that deep and chill quality
of ambient techno, but there is also rich veins of atmosphere that stir
up the waters of the soul...it's as if dream sounds merged with abstract
soundtracks!"
- Retina Magazine, U.S.A., Mar/Apr '95, LG Concannon: "A
much anticipated CD showcasing the fine talents of some local/regional
electronic artists. A nice mixture of mellow grooves, experimental
noise, and lush arrangements. Baltimore is well represented by
Telekinetic Soulmate and Pure Gamma. Retina contributor and ex-Batz
Without Flesh front man Claude Willey shows there is more to Delaware
than Dupont with his Exterior Mirror. All the artists and songs on this
compilation do an excellent job of highlighting the diverse quality of
electronic music. Three tracks by three artitsts, alternating so that
the sound is constantly changing and evolving. This collection is a
great way to expose yourself to ambient music, or to reaffirm your love
of the electronic art. Defective is to be commended for releasing
material that moves beyond the dancefloor and challenges the listener.
I hope they continue, and I look forward to hearing full length releases
from all of these ambient musicians. Sure makes me proud to be a
Baltimoron."
