...Not all that much, sadly. The Synthetic Form falls into the same trap that nearly all electro acts face: it's a Skinny Puppy clone. The off-kilter rhythms, booming beats, and even the distorted vocals echo the sound of the now-deceased, perpetually-malnourished hound.

But strangely enough, Gridlock does a great job with the tribute/imitation. Whereas most bands fall flat on their faces with such attempts, Gridlock not only survives, but excels in this arena. If nothing else, the songs are original and catchy - but more than that, this album establishes Gridlock's trademark distorted percussion and frenetic drumming.

It is that hint of potential that elevates The Synthetic Form over pure Puppy-clone. And for all of its general lack of originality, it's still a catchy and well-crafted album. Plus, all of its shortcomings can be forgiven when one considers that it preceded Further, an album that showed Gridlock could make an entirely original sound (and which is also one of my favorite releases from 1999 - but that's another story).

So it's good, but largely derivative. And if you ever want a Puppy clone, you want [the only] one that does it well.


dark emotions etched in time   October 5, 2006
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I am a musician first off, of the electronic industrial genre, so I figure my claim packs some weight. For one thing, I would love to kindly excuse the "arbitrator" above, for failing in his attempt to debrief the casual viewer into believing that this cd is a simple clone of Skinny Puppy. Give me a break. I am an avid follower of both bands, and I would like to say, that I have owned this cd 3 (yes 3) times. I bought it again, and this time (I hope) in its finality, the copy rests on my bookshelf among the greats. This is the perfect cd if you are in a melancholy, self analytical mood. First off, there are those who listen to music to nod their heads to some teeny boppin-popface culture; infused, manipulated regurgitation of the modern world we now live. Then, there are the ADHDhead greater masses. Namely our current, young population in the high 70th percentile, which, upon listening to a particular piece, if it does not grab them in the first 23 seconds, they are off in another room, masturbating to a picture of their own computer. There is the artist, who drowns himself with the works of geniuses, not by some egotistical standpoint, but by mere choice. If you are into originality, give this cd a point. If you are into darker themes, give it another. If U are of an eclectic sort, maybe check it out. If U are into bands like----scratch that.. Gridlock secures a slot on its own. Buy this cd, lock yourself up in a room when you are pissed off, depressed, or just plain drab, and it will envelope your emotions, package them, and fed ex them right into oblivion.
Aziel-Romantic Rust


Dark, Eerie and Wonderful   September 26, 2006
To step beyond the inevitable comparison to cEvin Key for a second, The Synthetic Form stands on is own merits next to any other album in the genre. The electro/industrial sound has a nice dark ambience running throughout the whole CD. In comparison to there other more trance/drum n' bass albums, this one has a more abrasive sound. A solid album and a must buy for any fan of the genre.


THE CHILD DEVIANT   December 14, 2006
In case you hven't figured it out yet..this album is officially *Out Of Print*. Is it Skinny Puupy sounding????.....Nope, it's darker than that. Is it Wumpscut???..Nope, it's more expermental than that. What is it? Some sort of genuine crossbreed of early industrial and futuristic elctro, .....and yet, still appeals to fans of Throbbing Gristle, and Coil. Ok, dammit!! It's hard to write a review about this album...what am I trying to say here? How about, .....this is the band that has had an influence on nearly every "new" band on the DSBP label (that's at least 50 respected underground bands that you'll never see on MTV).....this is super dark, super weired, ultra dark electro, beyond creepy, blistering industrial mayhem. I'm not a King rivethead...but I can vouch for a zillion rivetheads I'm freinds with..this is an important album to own for fans of electro/Industrial music. Oh, and yes,,....every song on this album is amazing and creative. Sometimes, when listening to this album, I think of 1980's sci-fi/Horror movies like Mad Max/Aliens/The Terminator/ and Hellraiser. Think along those lines and you'll have an idea of the music...Oh, and yes, there are vocals on this album. Just in case your new to Gridlock.


Great!   May 29, 2007
This is an excellent album that has an obvious Skinny puppy side to it...and yet....it seems verry original. Anyways, Don't buy the import of this CD unless your a collector...I suggest getting the U.S.A. version...it's only like $12 or so.