Gridlock was a San Francisco-based experimental electronic band, active from 1994 to 2005, consisting of members Mike Wells and Mike Cadoo.
Overview
Conceived by Mike Wells in 1993 as "heaviness through electronics," the band was initially part of the electro-industrial scene before evolving to incorporate atmospheric textures, glitch, and IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) elements.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | San Francisco, United States |
| Genres | Drum and bass, electro-industrial, glitch, post-industrial, IDM |
| Years active | 1994–2005 |
| Labels | Pendragon, Unit, Hymen |
| Spinoffs | Dryft |
| Members | Mike Wells, Mike Cadoo |
| Past members | Bobby Cochran (live percussion) |
Biography
Gridlock began as an expression of Mike Wells' desire to move away from the San Francisco thrash metal scene and explore experimental music. During his initial recordings, he met Skinlab guitarist Mike Cadoo through the Oakland heavy metal scene, who joined Gridlock as a vocalist. The duo released two demos, Sickness (1995) and Frozen (1996). Bobby Cochran briefly joined for live percussion.
The band's early sound on their debut album The Synthetic Form (1997) was akin to Skinny Puppy but with fewer vocals and a more ambient aspect. Starting with Further (1998), they incorporated more ambient and futuristic electronic sounds, gradually lessening their industrial edge and removing vocals entirely.
In 2000, the band released 5.25, a compilation of early demos including a cover of Berlin's "The Metro." The 2000 release Trace saw a more balanced collaboration between Wells and Cadoo, though the process was hindered by a house fire that destroyed their studio.
The duo's final album, Formless (2003), was released on Hymen Records. Both members later acknowledged that the album represented a breakdown in communication between them. On March 24, 2005, Wells announced the band's dissolution on its website. According to Cadoo, the announcement was unilateral, and the two remained estranged thereafter. Their last released material was two tracks on the 2006 Hymen Records compilation Travel Sickness.
Mike Wells died in January 2022.
Discography
Studio Albums
- The Synthetic Form (1997, Pendragon)
- Further (1999, Pendragon) – #14 CMJ RPM Charts
- Trace (2001, Unit) – #6 CMJ RPM Charts
- Formless (2003, Hymen)
EPs and Demos
- Sickness (demo, 1995)
- Frozen (demo, 1996)
- Engram (2002, Hymen)
- Under (2003, Piehead)
Compilations
- 5.25 (limited edition, 2000, Pendragon)
