Gridlock, an experimental electronic band from San Francisco, was formed in 1993 by Mike Wells and later joined by Mike Cadoo. Initially part of the electro-industrial scene, Gridlock evolved to incorporate atmospheric textures, glitch, and IDM elements. Their first two demos, Sickness and Frozen, were released in 1995 and 1996 respectively. The band's debut album, The Synthetic Form, was released in 1997 under Pendragon Records. Gridlock's sound shifted towards more ambient and futuristic electronic sounds with the release of Further in 1999. In the same year, they released a compilation of early demos titled 5.25. The album Trace, released in 2001, marked a more collaborative process between Wells and Cadoo. Their final album, Formless, was released in 2003 on Hymen Records. Despite internal tensions, both members retrospectively considered it their best work. Gridlock disbanded in March 2005 following an announcement by Mike Wells. Mike Wells passed away in January 2022.
