Customer Reviews

Five Year Mission

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you look up the world "kitsch" in a dictionary, you'll see a picture of S.P.O.C.K., the synthpop band from Sweden that is more than a "Star Trek tribute band." Not all of the songs deal with Star Trek themes, such as "E-Lectric", one of SPOCK's best originals. The aesthetic is lo-fi, DIY. One gets the sense that SPOCK consists entirely of two crazed Swedes working in their basement, recording on an old Atari, which is, of course, its charm.

Choosing a star rating is basically impossible. This CD is so bizarrely unique that it exists in its own galaxy. By normal standards, the music is terrible, the synth sounds define cheesy, the vocals are wooden with pitch that can only be described as "iffy" - BUT, that's sort of the point. Just as Star Trek (the original series) was somewhat cheesy with notorious overacting, S.P.O.C.K. follows as the musical equivalent. Strangely, it seems to work. The music is as fun as its creators intended. It doesn't take itself too seriously and it's easy to just throw the CD on and have a good time.

Since judging it in comparison to other music is futile, I'll just go ahead and give it five stars for fun, kitsch value, and uniqueness.

This is a great way of showing how the S.P.O.C.K era started and includes classic livefavourites like "Never Trust A Klingon", "Neutral Zone", "Electric" and "Mr. Spocks Brain".

However, if is not without it's faults, the first half of the album is much better than the second, where weaker tracks like "Lost in a Time Machine" disturbs the CD.

In all, however, it's a great debut from one of Swedens best synthpop bands.

I'am from Canada and I first bought this album without knowing what it was. I just saw the lyrics and I saw the name S.P.O.C.K. ... well... I couldn't have been more surprised. This is a wonderful album and I regret that no one here knows it. If you are a Star Trek fan, this is a must! You will discover something funny with a good sound... with a touch of Star Trek on the way... you must buy it!

What started it all, and what still is, after all these years, the strongest of all the S.P.O.C.K-albums, featuring classics such as "Never trust a Klingon", "Mr. Spock's brain" and "Last man on Earth". However, not without its weaknesses, such as the noninteresting "E-lectric" and "Time Machine".

Get this now, especially if you're a trekkie.

...but if you are a Star Trek fan, you simply have to hear it! I'm not much into synth-pop but I do find S.P.O.C.K, well... fascinating. They have a fun theme, and more important, a good sound. This CD is my personal favorite by the Swedish band. Included are some of their better songs: "Never Trust a Klingon", "Mr. Spock's Brain", "The Last Man on Earth". For the Trekkie (or anyone) who enjoys synth, "Five Years Mission" is a good launching pad to begin your S.P.O.C.K. experience.

If you like the first three S.P.O.C.K albums and can stand even more pop you should buy "S.P.O.C.K: 1999"and "2001: a S.P.O.C.K odyssey". They represent a S.P.O.C.K of the 21st century.

This is why I started listening to S.P.O.C.K. For everyone who loves StarTrek - this is something you can't live without!!!