Five Years Mission is the debut album from Swedish Synth band S.P.O.C.K. It’s a backronym that apparently stands for Star Pilot on Channel K. I don’t think I even paid attention to that since it’s obvious that it’s an homage to the character Mr Spock in the Star Trek universe. And if the name itself doesn’t convince you, take a look at a few of the song titles which includes Never Trust a Klingon, Charlie X and Edge of Forever. To a Trekkie this is obvious.
My first contact with the band was several years ago when their album Assignment: Earth was released back in the late 90s. Since then I haven’t really explored them further until now. Party because >I was worried that it would ruin that album for me which I loved. But also because S.P.O.C.K. is more of a hobby cult band than a major act on the music scene. Their albums are therefore a bit tricky to get your hands on. On Spotify or other streaming services that is, of course, another matter.
Anyway, I got my hend on their first album and thought I ought to give it a listen or two. It became more than that, not that I have actually counted the times I pressed play but I do have a hunch. What I hear is a more simplified version of the music I heard those years ago. The Star Trek themes are very present and I think that this kind of synth music reflects that very well. Space exploration to heavy roch just wouldn’t work in the same way.
I can’t say that I was totally convinced by FGive Year Mission though. If this was my first encounter with the band I would probably dismiss it as something funny and nothing more. And especially if I would have heard it back in the day when I was much more “metalhead” than I am today. But I do find it catchy and it definitely deserves more attention than I’ve given it so far.
