Gridlock's grinding noise and pounding, violent rhythms may owe much to the legacy of industrial bands of the late 1980s, but on Further, their sophomore release, the duo of Mike Wells and Cadoo prove they aren't out to ma... more »ke just another tired old industrial album. Light, soothing atmospheres are desecrated (but in a good way) by the percussive onslaught, as though pleasant dreams were being interrupted by unspeakable nightmares. Vocals manifest themselves in that coarse, typically industrial manner, but they are sparse and fitful, strategically kept out of the way of the music. The resulting mix places the group somewhere amid the musical Bermuda triangle of Skinny Puppy, Dive, and Autechre. There's a stark, terrible, apocalyptic beauty to the songs--sleek, seductive, but hiding a hideous secret. A very engaging recording and a worthy follow-up to 1997's excellent The Synthetic Form. Just don't listen to it alone in the dark. --Steve Landau« less
Gridlock's grinding noise and pounding, violent rhythms may owe much to the legacy of industrial bands of the late 1980s, but on Further, their sophomore release, the duo of Mike Wells and Cadoo prove they aren't out to make just another tired old industrial album. Light, soothing atmospheres are desecrated (but in a good way) by the percussive onslaught, as though pleasant dreams were being interrupted by unspeakable nightmares. Vocals manifest themselves in that coarse, typically industrial manner, but they are sparse and fitful, strategically kept out of the way of the music. The resulting mix places the group somewhere amid the musical Bermuda triangle of Skinny Puppy, Dive, and Autechre. There's a stark, terrible, apocalyptic beauty to the songs--sleek, seductive, but hiding a hideous secret. A very engaging recording and a worthy follow-up to 1997's excellent The Synthetic Form. Just don't listen to it alone in the dark. --Steve Landau
CD Reviews
Staggering.
J. Rayne | Salisbury, MD United States | 01/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This work is simply unparalleled in any art genre. It grinds, floats, glides, and scrapes along in the most intriguing and mesmerizing fashion; quiet, whispered lyrics add texture at points, while crushing beats fall between simple and harmonious chords. Every track is fully unique: "Sever" develops into a progressive, beat-driven machine takeover, while "Scrape" devolves into aural chaos; conversely, "Ash" builds itself out of almost nothing into a pensive, haunting hymn, and the title track "Further" overlaps into an almost mantra-like chorus of synths and clicks. Pure auditory magnificence."
Just owning is probably not enough....
dlockw2211@aol.com | seattle, wa | 05/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gridlock, in itself, defies classification therefore no matter what type of music you claim to listen to in the shower or on your commute, Gridlock will suit the occasion. If you foolishly put off buying the first album do not hesitate on this one. The tracks to be found on this second masterpiece are constructed so that you cannot tell if you are on a cliff and about to fall off or on a plain with the wind in your face. See Gridlock live and you will know the feeling first hand. If this is not humanly possibly then take a day off of work and devote an entire afternoon listening to nothing but Gridlock and I guarantee you will see why music is as important as breathing."
Classic
reducing_element | Ballwin, MO USA | 07/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is truly a classic within the so called Industrial genre."Further" combines hasrh power-like noise strucute, with dark ambient drones and ambience, and for even more depth throws in minimal, yet deep meanings lyrics. An amazin release from this San Fran based band, a cd to dream to, to read to, to..do whatever you want. If you like this cd, check out Gridlock's side porject, Dryft.."
Gridlock is music for any situation...
M. Randall | Allen Park, MI | 01/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whether you're sad, angry, confused, happy or depressed. Gridlock will always leave you excited. This album is quite a bit darker than Formless (if you're familiar with that CD).
Bottom line, don't listen to it alone in a dark room... You may become scared very easily!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1