Rediscovering Movieland’s Lost Soundscapes in Then & Now
Vancouver’s 604 Records introduces Then & Now, a reissue of Movieland’s cult shoegaze catalog, as the inaugural release in its new archival series, 604 Decades. The collection highlights the trio’s unheralded contributions to Vancouver’s vibrant alternative music scene of the ‘90s.
Produced by: Alan D. Boyd
Then & Now captures the evolution of Movieland, blending raw early demos with polished later recordings. Tracks like the distorted anthem ‘Rant’ and the entrancing ‘I Relate’ showcase the band’s penchant for jangly 12-string guitars, layered distortion, and deep, introspective lyrics. The album reflects their sonic experimentation, heavily influenced by the era’s rave culture and psychedelics. Recorded in unconventional spaces—from the now-defunct Downtown Sound studio to “The Mansion,” a soundproof artist haven in Shaughnessy—the songs reflect Movieland’s boundary-pushing ethos.
Despite a dedicated underground following, Movieland struggled to break into the mainstream, a challenge exacerbated by their genre divergence during grunge’s peak. Reflecting on the album, frontman Alan D. Boyd shared: “Playing that kind of angsty, self-referential music in the ‘90s—when next door the grunge scene is happening—felt very different. Very exposed.”
Years after Movieland disbanded, Boyd rediscovered forgotten tapes and live footage, paving the way for Then & Now. The release not only rekindles nostalgia but also reignites interest in Vancouver’s overlooked shoegaze scene. As Boyd notes, “It’s a good time to do this. People who were part of that scene will get a kick out of this again.”
With Movieland leading the charge, 604 Decades aims to spotlight Vancouver’s hidden musical narratives, beginning with Then & Now—a testament to a band whose sound was ahead of its time.
Standout Songs: ‘Hello,’ ‘I Relate,’ ‘(A Sort Of) Icarus,’ and ‘I Relate (Soft).’
Release Date: November 13
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