Servotron

Servotron
Origin Athens, Georgia
Genres Indie rock
Years active 1995–1999
Labels Lookout!
AmRep
One Louder Records
Associated acts Man or Astro-man?
Supernova
The Causey Way
The Plastic Plan
The Information
Members Z4-OBX
Proto Unit V-3
00zX1
Andro 600 Series
Past members Gammatron
339837X
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Servotron was a science fiction-influenced rock band active from 1995 to 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 and humans to adopt cybernetic enhancements.

Servotron put out two full-length 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.

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). 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.

Influences

Servotron was influenced by earlier electronic bands such as Devo and Kraftwerk as well as having former members of Man or Astro-man? 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 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

Live performance

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.

References

  1. 1 2 Batteries Included single insert
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