Moonshot

Released: 2023 (Vinyl/Digital)

The Concept

Moonshot is the second full-length album by 1201_Alarm, continuing the band’s mission to fuse science, music, and humanity’s endless curiosity about the universe. This album builds on the boundary-pushing ideas of Hello_World, but takes them further — literally and creatively.

The title Moonshot reflects both the band’s audacious ambition and their literal connection to space. After the story of Hello_World attempting to reach the Moon, Moonshot celebrates the spirit of aiming high, even when things don’t go to plan.

 

Helen Sharman with 1201_Alarm

A Unique Collaboration

For Moonshot, bandleader Steve Thompson collaborated with Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut. Helen performed a specially composed piano piece by Steve, which the band recorded with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, creating an extraordinary meeting of space history, music, and orchestral grandeur.

Guests and Themes

The album continues the band’s unique approach of connecting music with real science and personal stories. Many tracks draw inspiration from conversations with scientists, astronauts, and thinkers who share a passion for pushing boundaries.

Helen Sharman and 1201_Alarm leader Steve Thompson

Listen

SummerBird

Kelly Watch the Stars

Moonwalk

Set The Controls

Moonshot – Press & Reviews

“On this, the band’s second album… all the music was written by Steve Thompson… It works beautifully because Thompson is a gifted musician when it comes to sound layering.”
— Sammy Stein, Platinummind.net

“A beautiful and profoundly thought‑provoking piece.” (referring to Ozone 3 featuring Helen Sharman and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra)
— Sammy Stein, Platinummind.net

“Composer/musician Steve Thompson and his band 1201_Alarm are about to make musical history… The album has been loaded onto the payload of NASA’s Peregrine Lander spacecraft…”
— PS Audio

“Experimenting with blending science and technology with a mix of jazz, electronica, classical, and more, 1201_Alarm produces unique music that aims to celebrate and embrace the wonder of science.”
— London Daily News London Daily News