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/