S.P.O.C.K (Star Pilot on Channel K) is a synthpop band from Sweden formed a… Read Full Bio ↴S.P.O.C.K (Star Pilot on Channel K) is a synthpop band from Sweden formed around 1988. The subject matter of S.P.O.C.K's songs frequently centers on science fiction and, in particular, Star Trek. Their most recent release is: "2001: A S.P.O.C.K Odyssey" since then the band seems to be on hiatus although as of 2013 they still do gigs once in a while.

The original lineup of the band were songwriter Eddie Bengtsson (formerly a founding member of Page), Finn Albertsson, and vocalist Alexander Hofman. Over time the members of the band have shifted: Johan Billing was a member of the band for several years during the 90s, but with the release of S.P.O.C.K in 1999 the band's line-up changed to the current one with Alexander Hofman (the band's only remaining founding member), Johan Malmgren (former member of Elegant Machinery and Aaron Sutcliffe) and Christer Hermodsson. During the summer of 2010 Christer Hermodsson decided to focus more on his own project Biomekkanik. Alexander then called in his old friend Valdi Solemo who since then has played with S.P.O.C.K

In 1988 Eddie Bengtsson wrote a handful of songs to be performed at Finn Albertsson's next birthday party, with Alexander Hofman performing vocals; the three men dubbed the band Mr. Spock (named for Mr. Spock of the Star Trek franchise). After the performance at Albertsson's birthday celebration, the band continued for several months to play at house parties, and soon managed to secure some event bookings. In 1989 the band members contacted Paramount Pictures for permission to use the name "Mr. Spock." When Paramount demanded compensation for the privilege, the band renamed themselves Star Pilot on Channel K, abbreviated S.P.O.C.K.

S.P.O.C.K's commercial success began in 1990 when the Swedish record label Accelerating Blue Fish published Silicon Dream as a limited-edition single.

On stage the band members adopted sci-fi-esque personae, with Eddie Bengtsson as "Eddie B. Kirk", Alexander Hofman as "Android", and Finn Albertsson as "Cybernoid".

Together with such bands as Page, Elegant Machinery, Sista Mannen På Jorden and Kiethevez, S.P.O.C.K helped to define the sound of the Swedish synthpop movement.

Representative songs include Never Trust a Klingon, In Space No One Can Hear You Scream, Mr. Spock's Brain, and Astrogirl.

UTOPIA
S.P.O.C.K Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There was a time
When the seas were yet to be crossed
And mountainsides
Yet to be touched by man

And words still written
By a human hand
The simplicity of eternity

Filled our souls
Visions of a world
Enchanting my emotional tensions
Guidance to embrace
Providing my terminal conscience

Utopia - a home
An imaginary state
Caught on a Super-8
But colors once so bright
Darkens over the years

We're the sons and the daughters
Of pioneers
The simplicity of eternity
Made our souls
Visions of a world
Enchanting my emotional tensions
Guidance to embrace
Providing my terminal conscience

Utopia - a home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of S.P.O.C.K's song "Utopia" express a longing for a time before human interference on the earth. The opening lines describe a time when the natural world was untouched by humanity - before oceans were sailed and mountains were climbed. The following lines reference the human ability to communicate through writing, and imply a sense of wonder at the complexity of eternity. The chorus then introduces the concept of Utopia, an imaginary state that is both home and source of guidance. The final lines of the song highlight the fact that humanity has the potential to be pioneers, as we continue to explore and shape the world around us.

One interpretation of the song's message is that humanity's pursuit of progress has led us away from a state of simplicity and towards a more complicated, potentially darker future. The colors that once seemed bright and inviting have grown dim over time, as we have lost touch with the natural world and our sense of wonder at the mysteries of the universe.

Line by Line Meaning

There was a time
A time in the past, a time before now

When the seas were yet to be crossed
An era where oceans were uncrossed

And mountainsides
Hills that had never been touched

Yet to be touched by man
By a person who does not belong here

And words still written
The creation of writing

By a human hand
The power of the human touch

The simplicity of eternity
The straightforwardness of forever

Filled our souls
Came inside and made us alive

Visions of a world
Dreams of what the world can be

Enchanting my emotional tensions
Smooths out the anxiety and pain within me

Guidance to embrace
Teaching me to take hold of the opportunities