Movieland’s Then & Now is a mesmerising deep dive into the roots of Vancouver’s ‘90s shoegaze underbelly and gives long-overdue recognition to a band that thrived in the shadows. Released as the inaugural chapter of 604 Records’ archival 604 Decades series, this collection of rarities and demos showcases Movieland’s knack for creating hypnotic and distortion-drenched anthems.
The album opens with “Hello,” a swirling introduction that sets the tone with its 12-string jangle and layered feedback. Tracks like “Rant” and “San Francisco” display Movieland’s raw energy with their garage-rock rebellion tightly wrapped in psych-tinged atmospherics. Meanwhile, the sprawling nine-minute opus “Everything” offers an immersive plunge into the band’s ability to blend noise and melody with precision by creating a chaotic yet controlled sonic journey.
The transition to their experimental second demo brings gems like “I Relate,” a track steeped in personal vulnerability and intricate arrangements that were crafted on a borrowed 8-track. Alan D Boyd’s ability to convey flux and emotion through layered distortion makes the song a standout. The album crescendos with “Build Me a Dream” and “She’s a Mountain,” two powerful finales that capture Movieland’s melodic ambition and blistering edge.
What makes Then & Now shine is its raw authenticity. It not only preserves Movieland’s signature mix of hypnotic noise and melodic undercurrents but also reveals a band that deserved far more recognition in its time. Movieland may have operated in obscurity, but this collection proves they were creating something truly remarkable.
