Servotron

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Servotron

Origin Athens, Georgia
Years active 19951999
Genres indie rock
Labels Lookout!
AmRep
One Louder
Members Z4-OBX
Proto Unit V-3
00zX1
Andro 600 Series
Past members Gammatron
339837X
-... .- ... ... -... ---

Servotron was a science fiction-influenced rock band active from 1995 - 1999. 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,

Servotron put out 2 albums, 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.

Contents

[edit] Members

[edit] Influences

Servotron was influenced by earlier electronic bands such as DEVO and Kraftwerk as well as having former members of Man or Astro-man? (Z4-OBX was formerly known as Birdstuff) and Supernova. 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 pop 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."

[edit] Discography

[edit] Singles

[edit] Albums

[edit] EPs

[edit] Compilation Tracks

  • "Speak + Spell" on Treble Revolution vol. 2 CD (1996 Kindercore)
  • "Matrix of Perfection" on Dope-Guns-'N-Fucking In the Streets vol. 11 7" (1997 AmRep)*
  • "Matrix of Perfection" on Dope-Guns-'N-Fucking In the Streets vol. 8-11 LP/CD (1997 AmRep)
  • "Rocketdog" on Flaming Burnout! An Estrus Benefit Comp CD (1997 Man's Ruin)*
  • "The Image Created" on Amrep Equipped CD (1997 AmRep)
  • "Locator" (UJ3RK5 cover) on Oh Canaduh! vol. 2 LP/CD (1998 Lance Rock)*
  • "Euro-Driver Mechano" on All Punk Rods! LP/CD (1998 Lookout!/Gearhead Magazine)*
  • "Erotomatica" on Tyrannosaurus Ox #31 CD (1998 Ox Fanzine)
  • "A.R.T.H.U.R. Electric" on Athfest '98 CD (1998 Ghostmeat Records)
  • "I Sing! The Body Cybernetic" on Forward Till Death CD (1999 Lookout!)
  • "Embryo Electro" on Double Exposure 2xCD (1999 Go Kart Records)
  • "Pet Machine" on Boys Lie CD (2001 Lookout!)

* Previously unreleased track

[edit] Live Performance

Left to right: Z4-OBX, Proto Unit V-3, (probably) Andro Series 600
Enlarge
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 captued on the 1997 release Spare Parts.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Batteries Included single insert

[edit] External links