Various Artists – Defective Soundscapes

Catalog Number: DR006
Release Year: 1994

Defective Soundscapes is Defective Records’ first foray into the world of ambient music, and features the work of three different artists: Exterior Mirror (from Delaware), Pure Gamma (from Baltimore), and Telekinetic Soulmate (from Baltimore). Each of these artists definitely has their own unique style and approach to ambient music.

Exterior Mirror uses an almost industrial approach, with rhythmic mechanical sounds defining the mood. This is city-ambience at its best. Pure Gamma follows up their highly praised initial vinyl release (DR-004) with more analog-sequenced space music. It evokes the work of the genre’s masters, Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze. Telekinetic Soulmate uses both vocals and vocal samples on a bed of unusual electronic and recorded sounds to make music that is moody, funky, and beautiful all at the same time…very neat stuff. The closest comparison is something along the lines of Coil.

Although quite different in their ambient visions, all three acts serve up some very unique, dark ambience that separates it from the run-of-the-mill ethereal washes that are now the norm on most other ambient releases. Not to be missed!

Fractured Mirror Magazine, U.K., 1/15/95
” 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 rejuvenating 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.”
– Gareth Lancaster

Cradle Magazine, U.S.A., 3/22/95
“‘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!”
– Gregor Hoffman

Retina Magazine, U.S.A., Mar/Apr ’95
“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 artists, 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.”
– LG Concannon