MOVIELAND Revives Vancouver’s Shoegaze Scene with “Then & Now”—The Inaugural Release of 604 Decades
Vancouver’s 604 Records is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Then & Now, a long-awaited collection of rarities by cult shoegazers Movieland, set to drop on December 13th, 2024. This album encapsulates the band's signature blend of dreamy melodies and raw, introspective lyrics, offering a testament to the melodic prowess and creative spirit that thrived in Vancouver during a pivotal musical era. Movieland’s sound, often considered ahead of its time, defined a unique chapter in the underground music scene of the early ‘90s, a time when Nirvana and Sonic Youth were on the cusp of breaking into the mainstream.
Founded in 1991 by songwriter Alan D. Boyd, Movieland has long been revered by a dedicated fanbase for their immersive soundscapes. The album features a treasure trove of demos and unreleased tracks, capturing the raw energy of Movieland’s early days. Each song delves into the complexities of youth and self-doubt, encapsulating the angst of a generation navigating the challenges of an evolving music landscape. Unlike in the past, when discovering music was a challenge, today’s fans can easily access and explore these tracks on various streaming platforms, allowing them to appreciate Movieland’s sound in a way that wasn’t possible before.
This release marks a significant moment for 604 Records, which is embarking on the 604 Decades project to celebrate the rich, yet often overlooked, musical history of Vancouver. By shining a spotlight on Movieland and other local acts from the 90s and early 2000s, and releasing music recorded in that era, the label aims to revive memories of a time when Vancouver had a vibrant, exploding alternative music scene, with some artists becoming world famous, and some which just deserved to be world famous. With captivating guitar riffs and evocative lyrics, Then & Now invites listeners into a world of nostalgia, resonating deeply with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
604 Decades is also set to release an album by Pure in 2025, further expanding its mission to unearth Vancouver’s hidden musical narratives and is engaging with numerous other bands from that era about potential releases. “I’m having so much fun going backwards and rediscovering music, and there’s the excitement of getting to put it out there now through 604 Decades,” says 604 Records President Jonathan Simkin. “It feels like a second chance.” As Movieland’s sound resonates anew, Then & Now serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend time, reaffirming that sometimes, great art deserves a second chance in the spotlight.
