The Movielife

The pop-punk and melodic hardcore group known as The Movielife features vocalist Vinnie Caruana, bassist Phil Navetta, guitarist Brandon Reilly, drummer Evan Baken, and guitarist Alex Amiruddin. Ed Reyes, who later joined Taking Back Sunday, helped establish the band but departed prior to any significant releases. Originating in Long Island during 1997, this quintet drew from punk revival and hardcore influences, quickly progressing from local basement performances to independently putting out their debut full-length record, It's Go Time. Extensive touring helped build their audience further. Revelation Records released This Time Next Year toward the end of 2000; however, a vehicle accident during promotional travels resulted in some physical harm and psychological distress for the members. They recovered by intensifying their live schedule, including joint appearances alongside New Found Glory and Glassjaw. Drive-Thru Records welcomed them aboard in 2001, leading to the release of the EP The Movielife Has a Gambling Problem, which leaned toward a punk-pop aesthetic consistent with the label's direction. Shortly thereafter, Dan Navetta, Phil's sibling, assumed guitar responsibilities, replacing Amiruddin. Two years on, Forty Hour Train Back to Penn came out, prompting another round of touring. Internal strains mounted nonetheless, culminating in an announcement on their official site in September 2003 declaring the band's dissolution. Caruana subsequently launched I Am the Avalanche, while Reilly initiated Nightmare of You. For the following ten years, both pursued individual endeavors, issuing several well-received recordings. Supporters received welcome information on Christmas 2014 regarding the Movielife's reunion for multiple shows, which expanded into American, British, and European tours throughout 2015 and 2016. The group dedicated 2017 to composing and tracking their next album in the studio. Drawing on their established approach of raw, palm-muted guitar riffs, expansive anthemic choruses, and vivid songwriting, the resulting Cities in Search of a Heart emerged in autumn 2017.