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: No Room for Humans and Entertainment Program for Humans . They also released a 10" EP, and several singles. The band named their movement the SRA 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.
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, Hayden Thais, Ashley Moody and Andy Baker. Both Thais and Teasley were members of Man or Astro-man?. 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
Onstage the band wore elaborate robot outfits, remaining in "robot character" throughout the show. The costumes were made of computer pieces, 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.
Influences
Servotron was influenced by earlier electronic bands such as Devo and Kraftwerk, as well as punk acts like Buzzcocks. Servotron's lineup consisted of 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.. 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."
