GRIDLOCK - The Synthetic Form
Songs: 18  Time:  68:54
"this has got to be one of the most impressive demos I have heard in years...very solid work...strong dark ambient compositions... addictive...hopefully someone will pick them up so that we can be treated to some excellent music."

This was IB's reaction earlier in the year when we reviewed the Gridlock demo and nothing has changed.  Now signed to Pendragon in the US and Off Beat in Europe, Gridlock have quickly made a name for themselves, and for good reason.  The music that this San Francisco group have created on The Synthetic Form is, quite simply put, amazing.  Innovative programming techniques, fresh vocal deliveries, and a non-classifiable / genre-dodging style are what make Gridlock so wonderful.  What could possibly make The Synthetic Form more astounding?  How about 18 tracks!  Granted, 5 of them are utilized as segues, but the remaining 13 true pieces showcase their musical diversity.  Gridlock’s music has been compared to the likes of Skinny Puppy and I can partially agree with that, but only in the sense that they construct their pieces in a similar fashion.  Their pieces are both fresh and intricate.  They rarely rely on heavy or fast rhythms, but rather opt for more melodic, nicely layered sounds.  Highlights include Burn (first heard on their demo), Only Living Witness (with it’s pounding percussion), and Regret (with its dark, frightening sequences.)  Every piece on The Synthetic Form holds its own ground and none of the tracks are in any way boring.  If you’re truly a follower of the electro scene you will not want to miss out on this exciting release.  Presently Gridlock are preparing for their next release which, I’m positive, will be as exhilarating and intense as The Synthetic Form.
   
PENDRAGON RECORDS                     Gridlock is:
PO BOX 388                                               Mike Wells / Cadoo
Yardley, PA 19067                                     Contact Gridlock @
Tel: (215) 428-4972                                    e-mail: gridlock@creative.net
Fax: (215) 428-1122                                    Gridlock homepage:
e-mail: pendrag1@aol.com                      http://www.creative.net/~gridlock/
PENDRAGON homepage:
http://www.edtrecords.com/pendragon/