Since its inception in 2010, A Love from Outer Space (ALFOS) has been a presence in the underground music scene, possibly fostering a close-knit community with its regular dancefloor experiences.
Founded by the late Andrew Weatherall and Sean Johnston, the label was born out of a shared love for slower-paced music and became a lasting and adventurous clubbing experience. Initially conceived as a response to the fast-paced mainstream scene, it took a different approach, maintaining a tempo of no more than 122 bpm.
The club night started in The Waiting Room in North London, where its musical ethos found a following. Over time, it expanded into larger venues, eventually reaching an international audience.
The label became known for its eclectic and hypnotic sound, blending everything from kosmische and house to dub and post-punk. The night developed a loyal following, with residencies at London's Phonox and Glasgow's Berkeley Suite, and it has taken its sound to various settings, from the Croatian coastline to the Golden Lion Pub in Todmorden.
Following Andrew Weatherall's passing in 2020, Sean Johnston has carried on its legacy. During the pandemic, he launched the A Love from Outer Space Emergency Broadcast System, a series of live-streamed DJ sets that kept the community connected during a challenging time. These broadcasts were crucial in maintaining its spirit when live events were paused, apparently attracting a global audience and reinforcing the collective bond of the community.
This upcoming compilation reflects the music that has shaped the label over the past 15 years while also hinting at its future. Compiled and mixed by Johnston, the 19-track album pays tribute to the club night’s history and its commitment to pushing musical boundaries forward.
Sean Johnston: “The thing about ALFOS is that while we've always had one eye on the past, much of the music we play is forward-looking. This compilation seeks to capture that balance."
The album features a variety of exclusive tracks, including the Neville Watson remix of The Blow Monkeys and Brioski's ‘Call 626’, alongside a wide range of sounds that both honour the past and embrace the future.
'A Love from Outer Space' will be released on 14 February 2025.
© justaweemusicblog.com
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