In a thrilling resurrection of Vancouver’s rich musical tapestry, 604 Records proudly unveils “Then & Now,” a captivating album by the cult shoegazers Movieland. This release marks the inaugural chapter of 604 Decades, an ambitious archival series that aims to breathe new life into the city’s overlooked artistic heritage.
At the heart of Movieland’s ethereal soundscapes lies the visionary Alan D. Boyd, a musical nomad whose journey from Edmonton to Montreal, and finally to Vancouver in 1991, set the stage for an auditory revolution. It was in the bustling aisles of Benny’s Bagels that fate intervened, bringing Boyd together with drummer Justin Leigh. United by their shared passion for British luminaries like The Stone Roses and Slowdive, they soon enlisted bassist John Ounpuu, and Movieland was born.
Boyd reminisces about their early days with a mixture of nostalgia and pride: “We were doing long songs, and they were noisy.” The band’s four-song debut cassette, now immortalized as the opening salvo of “Then & Now,” captured the essence of leather-clad rebellion and mesmerizing epics. “Things got loud; bass amps exploded; speakers got kicked in,” Boyd recalls, painting a vivid picture of the raw energy that defined their performances.
The band’s sound, a intoxicating blend of 12-string jangle and distortion, was deeply rooted in the burgeoning Vancouver rave culture and fueled by late-night escapades. Boyd candidly admits, “There were a lot of drugs in Vancouver at that time… It definitely informed what we were doing, that cannot be denied.” This cultural backdrop served as a psychedelic muse, infusing their music with a dreamlike quality that set them apart from the grunge-dominated landscape.
As Movieland’s sonic journey evolved, Boyd found himself ensconced in “The Mansion,” a crumbling yet magical haven in Vancouver’s upscale Shaughnessy neighborhood. Within these soundproofed walls, he began crafting a series of experimentally layered shoegaze songs on a borrowed Tascam 8-track. The entrancing “I Relate” emerged from this creative cocoon, a testament to the band’s growing artistic maturity.
Despite cultivating a small but dedicated fanbase, Movieland struggled to break through to wider recognition. The band underwent lineup changes, with Boyd later joining forces with bassist Cam Cunningham and drummer Clancy Denehy to create two final, melodically gain-freaked anthems—”Build Me a Dream” and “She’s a Mountain.” Boyd embraced the playful moniker “My Bloody Alantine,” a nod to their shoegaze influences and a testament to their DIY ethos.
By 1994, however, the dream began to fade. Standing on the Cambie Bridge, Boyd made a bittersweet realization: “What a lovely place, but it doesn’t feel like I can get anything done here.” Shortly after, he bid farewell to British Columbia, embarking on a new chapter as a roadie for SNFU across Europe before settling in the UK.
Years later, when Jonathan Simkin, founder of 604 Records and one of Movieland’s staunchest supporters, reached out about the old recordings, a spark was reignited. Boyd delved into a treasure trove of tapes and live footage, carefully curating the collection that would become “Then & Now.” This nostalgic journey has not only resurrected Movieland’s legacy but also rekindled Boyd’s creative fire, with new tracks on the horizon through 604 Decades.
“It’s a good time to do this,” Boyd shares, his voice tinged with excitement. “People who were part of that scene will get a kick out of this again.” Indeed, “Then & Now” is more than just an album—it’s a time capsule, a love letter to a pivotal moment in Vancouver’s musical evolution.
For 604 Records, this release signifies the dawn of an exciting new era. The 604 Decades project stands as a testament to the label’s commitment to celebrating Vancouver’s often overlooked musical legacy. By shining a spotlight on Movieland and other local acts from the ’90s and early 2000s, 604 Records is not just preserving history—it’s breathing new life into the dreams and melodies that once echoed through the city’s streets.
As we eagerly anticipate future releases, including an album by Pure slated for 2025, one thing is clear: Vancouver’s hidden musical narratives are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. “Then & Now” is not just a revival—it’s a revolution, inviting listeners to rediscover the magic of Movieland and the vibrant scene that nurtured them.
Experience the resurgence of Vancouver’s shoegaze scene. Dive into Movieland’s “Then & Now” and be part of the 604 Decades journey.
