Gridlock
Further (greyscale Splatter)
Following their debut album, Bay Area industrial duo Gridlock quickly pushed their creative boundaries. They restructured their live setup, incorporating new technology that expanded their sonic possibilities. Their first experiment with upgraded digital tools resulted in the track Enzyme for Pendragon Records' Quadraphobia compilation. Soon after, they embarked on a short West Coast tour before returning to the studio to craft their next album, Further. Embracing real-time audio editing, Further developed rapidly, defined by its signature distorted percussion. Initially met with little feedback from their label, the album gained final approval after a live performance at the CMJ festival. Released in early 1999, Further exceeded expectations, earning critical acclaim and charting in the the RPM charts. It became a landmark in the evolution of industrial music, blending emotional depth and cerebral complexity with brute force. Gridlock continued evolving through two more albums before disbanding, leaving their work rare and highly sought after. Now, in tribute to Mike Wells, who passed away in 2022, Viasonde is reintroducing Gridlock's music with the blessing of Wells' family. Following the 2024 reissue of The Synthetic Form, Further will be released on July 11th on clear vinyl with greyscale splatter. Half of the proceeds will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Wells' honor.