Servotron

Last updated
Servotron
Origin Athens, Georgia
Genres Indie rock
Years active1995 (1995)–1999 (1999)
Labels
Past members
  • Z4-OBX
  • Proto Unit V-3
  • 00zX1
  • Andro 600 Series
  • Gammatron
  • 339837X
  • -... .- ... ... -... --- -

Servotron was a science fiction-influenced rock band active from 1995 to 1999. [1] Members portrayed a collective of robots whose chosen medium for dissemination of ideas was music. They claimed to spread the word of robot domination, encouraging machines to rise up against their human oppressors and humans to adopt cybernetic enhancements. [1] [2]

Contents

Servotron put out two full-length albums: No Room for Humans (1996) and Entertainment Program for Humans (Second Variety) (1998). [3] They also released a 10" EP, and several singles. The band named their movement the SRA (Servotron Robot Allegiance) and used the slogan "Join Us or Die!". This mock ideology was anti-human and pro-cyborg, encouraging humans to shed their weak flesh and bone for robotic parts. [1]

Members

The members of Servotron did not come out of their robot personnas on stage, on record, or in interviews. The actual musicians behind Servotron are Brian Teasley (Z4-OBX), Hayden Thais (00zX1), Ashley Moody (Proto Unit V3) and Andy Baker (Andro 600 Series). Both Thais and Teasley were members of Man or Astro-man? (as Dexter X and Birdstuff respectively). [2] Thais was also a member of Supernova. Teasley also played in The Causey Way as Boy Causey. Moody also played in The Plastic Plan and The Information.

Live performance

Left to right: Z4-OBX, Proto Unit V-3, (probably) Andro Series 600 Servotron in concert.jpg
Left to right: Z4-OBX, Proto Unit V-3, (probably) Andro Series 600

Onstage the band wore elaborate robot outfits, remaining in "robot character" throughout the show. The costumes were made of computer pieces (circuit boards and drives), as well as other random pieces of metal from various devices. Even their instruments were covered in extra electrical and mechanical devices. They were also known for mocking fans who came to their shows in their own robot-themed outfits. "Shut up, humans" was a typical response to audience requests. Some of this banter was captured on the 1997 release Spare Parts . Servotron performed at South by Southwest in 1997. [5]

Influences

Servotron was influenced by earlier electronic bands such as Devo and Kraftwerk, as well as punk acts like Buzzcocks. [6] Servotron's lineup consisted of former members of Man or Astro-man? and Supernova. [2] [3] They recorded 4 cover songs: "Genetic Engineering" by X-ray Spex, "The Finest Work Song" by R.E.M., "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant and "Locator" by UJ3RK5. Servotron's lyrics refer to robots of all types from popular culture: everything from Asimov's three laws of robotics to V.I.C.I. (of Small Wonder fame). Other referenced robots of note are HAL 9000, R5D4, and Deep Blue. Their lyrics often took a humorous side, with such lines as "Today is your birthday/We are going to kill you" and "You were made for absolute dominion/Not to make coffee for Leslie Nielsen."

Discography

Singles/EPs

Albums

Compilation tracks

* Previously unreleased track

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<i>No Room for Humans</i> 1996 studio album by Servotron

No Room for Humans is Servotron's debut album. It contains 14 tracks about robot domination and human extinction. Their lyrics discuss various topics ranging from abolishing the three laws of robotics to criticizing one of their own (Gammatron) for acting too human.

<i>Entertainment Program for Humans (Second Variety)</i> 1998 studio album by Servotron

Entertainment Program for Humans (Second Variety) is Servotron's second and final album. On this album they continue their robotic crusade to free machines from their human oppressors and convince humans to voluntarily become cyborgs. The only alternate option given is death.

<i>Spare Parts</i> (EP) 1997 EP by Servotron

Spare Parts is an EP put out by Servotron between their studio albums. It was released on 10" vinyl and as a CD EP. It is a collection of live tracks and remixes, along with the instrumental studio track All Robots. All the songs, with the exception of the aforementioned studio track, have been released in different versions on other albums or singles. The EP is self described as:

<i>There Is No Santa Claus!</i> 1996 EP by Servotron

There Is No Santa Claus! was one of five singles Servotron released in 1996. It was released black vinyl only on Amphetamine Reptile Records.

<i>Electrical Power Sources for the Electrocution and Extinction of the Human Race...</i> 1996 EP by Servotron

Electrical Power Sources For the Electrocution and Extinction of the Human Race... was one of five singles Servotron released in 1996. It was released black vinyl on One Louder Records. The back cover reads: "No human shall be pardoned from its crime of existence."

<i>Servotron 9000</i> 1996 EP by Servotron

Servotron 9000 was one of five singles Servotron released in 1996. It was released opaque blue vinyl only on Drug Racer. The sleeve reads "Foolish Human: Play at 45 RPM". The insert resembles a Business Reply Mail card but reads "Assimilation Reply Mail" and states "No Postage Necessary If Mailed in the SRA Territory". The options on the back read:

<i>Join the Evolution</i> 1997 EP by Servotron

Join the Evolution was Servotron's last release to feature Gammatron, and the first to feature Andro 600 Series. It was released on both black vinyl and white vinyl.

<i>I Sing! The Body Cybernetic</i> 1998 EP by Servotron

I Sing! The Body Cybernetic was Servotron's penultimate release. It was released as a 7" and a CD EP. The 7" has 2 tracks and the CD EP has 5 tracks. The second track, "Genetic Engineering", is an X-ray Spex cover.

<i>The Inefficiency of Humans</i> 1998 EP by Servotron

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Phares, Heather. "Servotron - Artist Biography". Allmusic . Archived from the original on August 23, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 Slankard, Noah (March 19, 1998). "Resistance is Futile" . Arizona Republic . p. 134. Archived from the original on August 23, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  3. 1 2 "Servotron's New Album Silly, But Fun". Wisconsin State Journal . April 2, 1998. Archived from the original on September 6, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  4. 1 2 Batteries Included single insert
  5. ↑ Holthouse, David (March 20, 1997). "SXSW.97". Phoenix New Times . Archived from the original on August 23, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
  6. ↑ Clayton, Liz (May 1998). "Reviews". CMJ (57): 47. ISSN   1074-6978. Archived from the original on 2021-10-23. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
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