The Utopia Strong

The Utopia Strong are a British electronic band formed in Glastonbury, England in 2018. The group consists of Steve Davis, Kavus Torabi, and Michael J. York. They released their self-titled debut album in 2019 and their second, International Treasure, in 2022.

The Utopia Strong
The Utopia Strong performing at Krankenhaus 2023
Background information
Origin	Glastonbury, England
Genres	Electronic psychedelic ambient experimental[1]
Years active	2018–present
Labels	Rocket Recordings GLS
Members	Steve Davis Kavus Torabi Michael J. York

History

The Utopia Strong originated from an experimental improvised session in Glastonbury on the evening of 2 January 2018.^[2][3] Steve Davis, a six-time World Snooker Champion, was recognised for his love of progressive rock, soul and jazz-funk. He booked the French progressive rock band Magma to play three sold-out nights at the Bloomsbury Theatre and later became a DJ with the radio show Interesting Alternative on Phoenix FM.^[4] At a Magma gig, Davis bonded with Iranian-born musician Kavus Torabi,^[5] a storied guitarist with Gong and Cardiacs.^[4] Davis and Torabi met Coil's Michael J. York after DJing at the 2017 Glastonbury Festival, and the three decided to form a band.^[4]

The Utopia Strong released their self-titled debut album on 13 September 2019 on Rocket Recordings.^[6][7] The album features a guest vocal appearance by Mediæval Bæbes' Katharine Blake.^[8]

The band performing in Cambridge in 2023.

The Utopia Strong's second album International Treasure was released in 2022.^[9] The Quietus listed the album at number 25 on their Albums Of The Year So Far Chart 2022.^[10] The band appeared on BBC Breakfast on 25 March 2023.^[11] They supported Steve Hillage's 2023 UK tour, with Torabi also a member of Hillage's backing band.^[12][13]

Discography

Studio albums

• The Utopia Strong (2019)
• International Treasure (2022)
• Collapse (2025)^[14][15]

Live albums

• Alphabet of the Magi (2020)^[16]
• Dreamsweeper (2020)^[17]
• Ninth Art (2021)^[18]
• Gyre (2023)^[19]
• The BBC Sessions (2024)^[20]

Singles

• "Brainsurgeons 3" (2019, The Utopia Strong)^[21]
• "Konta Chorus" (2019, The Utopia Strong)^[22]
• "Strange Altar" (2019)^[23]
• "Shepherdess" (2022, International Treasure)^[24]
• "Castalia" (2022, International Treasure)^[25]
• "Gatekeeper" (2023, Golden Lion Sounds)^[26]
• "Lamp of Glory" (2024, The BBC Sessions)^[27]

Remixes

• "Rechargeable" (2019, with Snapped Ankles)^[28]

Appearances

• "Harpies" (2023, Rocket Recordings: Launch300)^[29][30]
• "Old Mathers" (2025, Ein Null: 10 Years Of Sprechen)^[31]